Since you were a child you’ve always been told it’s important to take care of your teeth – but have you ever wondered why? Your oral health is imperative to your overall health and dental hygiene is not something that should be overlooked. Your oral health mirrors what is happening with the rest of your body and ailments of the mouth and throat are often an indication of a more serious issue; for example, experiencing swollen gums, ulcers in your mouth or even a dryness can be signs of diabetes, various cancers or kidney issues. Because the oral symptoms of these illnesses are often the early signs, your dentist can be the first person to catch them. Visiting the dentist regularly, instead of when a problem arises, could end up saving your life.
Not taking care of your teeth can pose serious problems; without regular attention to your teeth, gingivitis can and will form in result of plaque buildup. If gingivitis goes untreated, a more serious gum disease, periodontitis, can form. Periodontitis is a disease characterized by disintegration and receding of the gum around the tooth. This creates pockets of space between the teeth and gums that become infected. In result, one will see the eventual loss of the alveolar bone that exists around the teeth and overtime, without treatment, periodontitis will result in loosening and eventual loss of teeth. Not taking care of your oral health can also lead to chronic pain in the mouth and face due to infection, heart issues like bacterial endocarditis which leads to heart attacks, strokes and digestion problems like IBS and intestinal failure.
Although some people are genetically prone to conditions previously mentioned, they may be preventable with the following hygiene practices:
- Brush your teeth twice a day (minimum) for at least two minutes – but do not over brush.
- Floss each day to reach crevasses that toothbrushes cannot reach.
- Eat a healthy diet that provides you with nutrients to fight gum disease.
- Stay away from sugary and acidic food that corrode your enamel.
- Steer clear of cigarettes and tobacco.
- Visit the dentist often.
If you follow these guidelines for a healthy dental routine, you could also be preventing high dentist bills in your future. You can budget for a regular check up but, fillings and root canals are costly especially when they are unexpected. The cost multiplies when you have more than one cavity too. You can also count on having to take time from work or school to have these procedures performed, costing you even more.
Furthermore, a person’s smile has always been a staple of health, approachability and happiness. When you display a smile that is healthy whether it be at home, school, work or just on your walk through the park it resonates with people. We communicate using our voices so a lot of time is spent in close proximity to each other faces. It can be said that showing respect for your own oral hygiene reflects how you want to interact with the people around you. Forming good relationships always starts with a smile.
At the end of the day your dental hygiene is in your hands. Make sure you take it seriously but remember you aren’t alone – consult your dentist for help and tips to help you make sure your mouth and body are healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
