Maintaining good oral hygiene is just as important as your physical health, if not even more. It’s more than just having pretty teeth and an alluring smile.
An unpleasant smile isn’t your only concern for poor dental health. You might have to deal with more significant worries if you don’t start caring for your teeth, such as decay and gum disease.
Furthermore, mouth problems can affect the other parts of your body, including your heart.
Importance of dental hygiene
The mouth is the gateway to your inner body systems. Even though your mouth bacteria is usually benign, some of these bacteria can cause infection and disease in other parts of your body.
In most cases, the body’s natural defenses and regular dental health care keep germs in check. Dental decay and gum disease are both caused by an accumulation of germs in the mouth that can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene.
Did you know? Over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from tooth decay. And it’s the most prevalent health problem in Australia, as 90% of the population experienced it at some point in their life.
Furthermore, over 40% of children aged between 5 and 14 have experienced tooth decay in Gold coast, Australia.
Finding a dental care clinic near you is just a click away – Google dentist and your area name in the search bar – for example, you can type in “dentist Nerang” on Google and hit search if you are looking for a dentist in Nerang, Gold coast.
Five reasons why good dental health is crucial for overall health
According to research, untreated dental problems have been linked to an increased risk of other health problems.
Maintaining your oral hygiene is vital for more than just your dental health; here are five reasons why:
1. Good dental health means a healthy body
Having good oral hygiene can have a positive impact on your entire health. Poor dental health can cause mouth sores and gum disease.
Plus, you may be unable to eat or talk correctly due to discomfort and foul breath from dental problems like cavities or gum disease.
Apart from oral problems, poor oral health can also have many adverse effects on your health, such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, pregnancy, and chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis.
The bacteria in gum disease may move to the heart and cause heart disease, blocked arteries, or stroke. According to a study, premature births and low birth weight is associated with periodontitis, a gum disease.
In addition, the mouth serves as a disease detection vantage point. Diabetic mouth sores and infections, for example, are common in the early stages of the disease.
In addition, lack of oral hygiene lowers the body’s ability to resist inflammation, leaving the gums more vulnerable to infection, which might affect blood sugar.
Similarly, people with HIV frequently suffer from excruciating mouth sores.
Keeping your mouth and teeth clean can reduce your chance of developing such health problems. Regular dental visits every six months are also recommended to maintain optimum oral health and cleanliness.
2. Reduces the risk of tooth loss
Among the various dental problems experienced by children and adults, tooth loss is the most prevalent concern.
Poor oral hygiene is among the numerous causes of tooth loss as it can lead to a buildup of plaque, causing tooth decay or gum infection, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Plaque can be reduced by brushing and flossing regularly. As a result, getting a professional dental cleaning twice a year is recommended to ensure that your oral health and hygiene are in peak condition.
Plaque and tartar can’t build up on teeth and gums consistently cleaned through proper oral hygiene.
3. Prevents bad breath problems
Bad breath is something that no one wants to deal with. You may use gum or mints to mask the odor, but brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help you avoid bad breath by dealing with the root cause of the problem – poor hygiene.
If you don’t floss or clean your teeth after eating, food particles get trapped in your mouth and cause foul breath.
A sticky film snowballed by bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth even when you aren’t chewing, producing a smell. Your gums are also irritated by this plaque, which leads to tooth decay in the long term.
4. Reduced chances of cancer
Cancer is another health problem that is linked to poor dental hygiene. Periodontitis, a gum condition, has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
It’s important to know that the bacteria that cause periodontitis can also be harmful to your teeth and gums.
A study indicated that people with poor oral health had a higher risk of contracting a virus that can lead to human papillomavirus (HPV), which can also be fatal.
5. Results in an attractive smile
Good dental hygiene must be practiced daily if you want a radiant smile. Keeping your teeth clear of plaque can boost your self-confidence.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A toothache, tooth loss, or discoloration is devastating – because, as superficial as it sounds, an unattractive smile affects your first impression to some extent.
Our oral health affects our self-esteem and interaction with others. Proper dental care allows you to reap the physical benefits of maintaining healthy teeth.
When your teeth and gums are in good shape, you’ll feel more confident and happier.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining excellent oral health is an investment in your whole health, not just the health of your teeth.
To avoid dental diseases and problems, it’s essential to maintain an appropriate oral care routine. Preventative measures should also be a priority.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, apart from regular flossing and brushing, you should steer clear of any sugary treats.
Consumption of tobacco should be avoided at all costs as it puts you at a high risk of mouth cancer. Plus, Drink water after meals or chew sugar-free bubble gums to get dilute acid and prevent tooth decay.
Doctors also recommend using a mouthguard during contact sports or sleeping if you tend to clench your teeth.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months can help you avoid most, if not all, dental problems.