The Importance of Regular Dental Hygiene

Do you know what it takes to keep your mouth healthy or what the benefits of good dental hygiene include? For one, having a good daily dental hygiene plan can prevent cavities, infection, gum disease, and tooth loss. But those aren’t the only reasons why you should clean your teeth well every day. Find out why it’s important to keep your mouth clean and checked regularly for optimal health below.

Keeps Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Regular preventative care can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing twice a day with fluoride helps to remove plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing removes any hard to reach plaque that can inflame the gums and cause them to recede. Finishing with a mouthwash can rinse away any clogged food particles that could become a feeding ground for acid-producing bacteria. It also helps to re-mineralize the enamel. 

Early Disease Detection

Your dentist can detect more than just bad breath, cavities, and decay. They can also spot early signs of serious health problems and disease. The latest technology and dental X-rays let dentists detect early signs and predictors of bone loss, diabetes, kidney and liver disease, oral cancer, and even leukemia and pancreatic cancer. In many cases, a dentist is the first to diagnose a health problem in its early stages.

Prevents Disease and Death

Having good dental hygiene can prevent not only gum disease from forming but also a number of other health conditions as well. Research shows that most systemic diseases have oral manifestations including swollen gums and ulcers. Infections that start in the mouth can also spread throughout the body and cause a number of complications including asthma, arthritis, respiratory problems, stroke, heart disease, and cancer. In some situations, untreated oral diseases or infections can even lead to death. 

Maintains Your Livelihood

Poor oral health can impact your quality of life. Missing teeth, tooth decay and infection can affect the way you eat, speak, and communicate, which can affect everything, from your physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking proper care of your teeth and gums each and every day will allow you to lead a healthy life and maintain your lifestyle.

What Is Proper Daily Dental Hygiene?

What should you be doing every day to ensure you’re properly taking care of your teeth and gums? Here are just a few important steps to do daily for optimal oral health:

• Brush your teeth for three minutes a day at least twice a day
• Floss at least once a day along the gumline
• Use toothpaste with fluoride
• Rinse your mouth with mouthwash daily
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports
• Avoid tobacco products
• Stop biting your nails
• Eat a healthy diet of essential vitamins and nutrients
• Cut back on sugars and processed foods
• Carefully follow your physicians’ instructions when taking medications
• See your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup
• Visit your dentist if you find any unusual oral symptoms including bad breath, pain, swollen gums, open sores, changes in colour or small lumps in the mouth

Maintaining daily dental hygiene practices is essential for having good overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums every day will ensure that you maintain a healthy, bright smile for life. If you’re struggling to maintain a proper dental regimen and need help to get back on track, contact our office today to book an appointment. Our team at Blossom Smiles Dental is always available to help you keep your mouth healthy.