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5 Reasons Dental Hygiene is so important

Dental-Hygiene

So many factors go into maintaining your overall health. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and visiting your doctor for routine check-ups are all important when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. But some people don’t realize just how important dental hygiene is and how it impacts your overall health and well-being. Here are 5 reasons to care for your teeth the same way you do the rest of your body.

1. Prevents Diseases

Dental-HygieneMost people don’t realize how closely connected dental hygiene and overall health really are. But the health of your mouth, gums, and teeth can greatly impact other parts of your body. So much so that strong dental hygiene practices can actually help prevent some serious diseases. Most diseases related to dental health start in the mouth as an infection. Common infections include gingivitis and periodontitis. These infections are connected to a long list of health complications including:

  • Stroke
  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Respiratory complications
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Premature birth

Preventing common dental hygiene issues is your best defense against these complications. And there are some relatively easy and common ways to do so. These include brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, seeing your dentist for regular cleanings, and maintain a healthy diet, avoiding foods high in sugar.

2. Helps Detect Diseases

Not only does good dental hygiene help detect potential health hazards but it can actually detect unknown or underlying diseases. The first thing that your dentist will detect is cavities. Cavities are infections that create bacteria in your mouth. Left untreated, this bacteria leads to tooth decay and can create a deep hole in your tooth. The longer you wait, the harder it is for your dentist to treat and properly fill the cavity. Your dentist can diagnose other conditions as well like gingivitis, gum disease, or receding gums. But health complications found at routine dental check-ups are reserved to just your mouth. Your dentist can potentially identify additional medical conditions including:

  • Acid reflux
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Oral cancer
  • Dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Heart conditions
  • Osteoporosis

During your oral examination, the dentist may detect signs of underlying conditions and discuss treatment plan options.

3. Boosts Confidence

Dental-HygieneIt’s proven that a bright, straight, white smile can actually boost your confidence. When you approach the world with a nice, proud smile, people react differently to you. This means you attract more positivity and success into your life. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, as well as getting annual cleanings help to remove unwanted plaque from your teeth. You should also avoid smoking cigarettes, which creates stains and yellowing of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are another great option for restoring damaged teeth and giving you a smile you can be proud of.

4. Keeps Healthcare Costs Down

Preventative care is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of high medical bills due to disease, infection, or other medical conditions. When you take care of your dental hygiene by brushing, flossing, avoiding sugary foods, and seeing your dentist regularly, you’re reducing your risk of developing conditions that require advanced medical care. Depending on the type of insurance you carry, some procedures may not be covered. Things like dental implants, root canal, or oral biopsies could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The sooner you detect an issue, the less likely it is that you’ll need complicated and expensive treatment.

5. Helps Fight Genetics

Dental-HygieneWhile some health issues are preventable, others are genetics. But just because you may have a genetic disposition to gum disease or other oral complications, doesn’t mean you have to fall victim. It just means you have to work a little harder to maintain and promote your dental health. If you’re susceptible to cavities, receding gums or oral cancer, taking the necessary precautions now can prevent these conditions from surfacing or worsening later on. Investing in your dental hygiene is investing in your overall health and well-being.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is about more than just cleaning away food debris and having nice breath. It’s about keeping you healthy and safe from medical complications that may cause excessive medical bills or lead to long-term disorders and diseases.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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