Here are five of the most important reasons to diligently guard the health of your teeth and gums:
1. You Keep Your Natural Teeth Longer
Built up plaque and encrusted tartar let bacteria fester and dig down into your tooth enamel. That can lead to cavities, but also to root canals infections. In extreme cases, a tooth may have to be extracted due to excessive deterioration, all stemming from poor dental hygiene.
You can restore a lost tooth with dental implants, which function and look just like real teeth; but obviously, keeping your natural teeth as late in life as possible is to be preferred.
2. You Lower Your Risk Of Periodontal Disease
Around half of all US adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. That’s a staggering statistic, but don’t think of it as indicating hopelessness.
First, good oral care (at home and at your periodontist office) greatly raises your chances of being in that half of US adults who don’t have even the most minor form of gum disease. Second, proper brushing and flossing, using an antiseptic mouth rinse, and annual periodontal checkups will help keep any periodontal problems you do experience minor and help you catch and treat them quickly.
Periodontal treatment can reverse gingivitis, and even more advanced gum disease. But an ounce of prevention here is clearly worth a pound of cure.
3. You Reap Two “Social Benefits”
A bright, healthy, attractive smile and good breath are the two “social benefits” that stem from good oral care, which others around you will greatly appreciate.
Halitosis, or “chronic bad breath,” is caused by poor oral hygiene 85% of the time. It’s true that smoking, consuming alcohol, a poor diet, and cases of “dry mouth” can also cause halitosis. But in the great majority of cases, giving greater attention to proper, consistent oral care will cure persistently bad breath.
4. You Help Protect Your Overall Body Health
Numerous studies have linked gum disease and generally poor oral health to such diverse health problems as heart disease, stroke or heart attack, out of control diabetes, respiratory diseases, and preterm and low weight births.
And inflammations and infections in your mouth can also spread to other parts of your body. Keep your mouth healthy, and you lower your risk of other health problems considerably.
5. You Save Money And Avoid The Dental Chair
For those who fear the dental chair with a passion, practicing good dental hygiene is the best way to avoid it. Although, with modern sedation dentistry and local anesthetics, pain is often very minimal in modern dentistry.
But when you keep your mouth healthy and minimize dental visits, you also save money. When you think about it, it’s like getting paid to brush your teeth! Seeing your periodontist for an annual checkup will keep your teeth/gums healthy and save you money in the long run.
To learn more about the importance of good dental hygiene, contact Dr Kenzik in Ormond Beach, FL, today for a free initial consultation.