The Positive Impacts Of Good Oral Hygiene On Your Health

The Benefits Of Proper Oral Hygiene Habits For Your Well-Being

Most people have been taught about the benefits of oral hygiene ever since they were given their first toothbrush in early childhood. Your parents, family members, teachers, Gilbert dentist, and even doctor may have encouraged you to brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day for the best oral health. We all know that good brushing habits are an important part of our daily routine, but many people are surprised to learn that the benefits of good oral hygiene are a lot more than just fresh breath and white teeth. Proper oral hygiene habits are the best way to prevent gum diseases, which affects half of American adults over 30, according to this study from the American Academy of Periodontology.

That’s a concerning number of people, but what’s even more alarming is that an increasing number of studies link gum disease with other inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and even cancer.

The Risk Of Heart Disease

One of the most serious epidemics in the United States is heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 655,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year. That’s nearly 1800 people per day! According to this study from Sweden, having periodontal disease increases the risk of having your first heart attack by 28%.

Oral Inflammation & Heart Health

Inflammation in your mouth can cause problems in your cardiovascular system. How does this happen? One theory is that the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the capillaries in your gums and then travel to your heart, where they attach to fatty plaque in the coronary arteries and contribute to the formation of blood clots.

Another theory is that the inflammation in the mouth from periodontal disease causes plaque buildup along the gum line. This buildup might contribute to swelling and clotting in arteries, which will eventually lead to heart attacks, strokes, or other serious cardiovascular conditions. We also know that some of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can destroy connective tissue, so it’s possible they can destroy walls of blood vessels as they travel to your heart.

Your Gilbert dental clinic wants to combat periodontal disease and improve your overall health by promoting good oral hygiene habits. While only you can make this change for yourself, we are here to help!

What Are The Advantages Of Good Oral Hygiene?

When you take good care of your teeth and mouth, you can gain the following benefits:

Reduce your chance of tooth decay
Reduce your risk of periodontal (gum) diseases
Reduce tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food or beverages
Reduce your chance of getting a cavity and the resulting fillings that will be needed
Save money – preventative care is always less expensive than emergency care or treatment for a chronic condition
Avoid the need for dentures or crowns by strengthening your natural teeth
Have fresher, better smelling breath
Reduced chance of root canals and other oral surgeries
Improved gum health and reduced chance of gum bleeding
Lowered risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks
Promote a healthier pregnancy and stronger fertility
Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

Overall, it’s easy to see that good oral care will give you not just a healthier mouth, but a healthier body as well!

Professional Dental Office Recommendations For Good Oral Hygiene

A healthy mouth starts with good home care. To achieve this, we recommend:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association and a soft bristled toothbrush.

Floss your teeth once a day to remove food particles that may become lodged between your teeth and promote bacterial growth.

Drink water between meals to promote saliva production, which naturally helps remineralize and protect your teeth. If you want to drink soda or other beverages sweetened with sugar, use a straw to reduce the drink’s contact with your teeth. This will reduce the acid attacks on your teeth that can cause cavities and tooth decay.

Receive Gilbert dental care on a regular basis. A routine cleaning every six months is commonly recommended.

Visit An Expert Dental Care Center In Gilbert

Are you looking for a new dentist who can help you get back on track with good habits? Gilbert Vista Dental Care is a friendly and trusted local dental provider who offers a full range of dental services. Dr. Peck is here to help you reach your oral health goals. Contact Gilbert Vista Dental Care to schedule your appointment and get started enjoying the benefits of good oral hygiene!