Your oral health greatly impacts your overall health, yet it’s something many people take for granted. Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues, from cavities to gum disease. These range from mild to life-threatening, and the consequences can be far-reaching.
Let’s explore how poor oral hygiene can affect your overall health.
How Poor Oral Hygiene Can Impact Your Overall Health
Tooth Decay & Cavities
The most obvious way poor oral hygiene affects your health is through tooth decay and cavities. Failing to brush and floss your teeth regularly leads to plaque buildup, which in turn causes cavities.
Over time, this can cause severe dental pain and even tooth loss if left untreated. In addition, cavities are the primary cause of childhood tooth decay and can impact overall health.
Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene also puts you at risk for gum disease, which is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar along the gum line that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth.
Left untreated, it can lead to bone or tissue loss and even infection throughout your body.
Systemic Diseases
Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several systemic health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.
These health issues arise due to the bacteria in plaque entering your bloodstream through your mouth and then travelling throughout your body, where it can cause damage.
How to Have Good Oral Hygiene
It’s important to practice good dental habits to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and free from decay or infection. If you’re looking to improve your oral hygiene and get the most out of your daily brushing routine, here are some tips that can help.
Brush Regularly
Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential to proper oral hygiene. Make sure you brush for at least two minutes each time, using a toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush.
Pay special attention to areas where plaque accumulates, such as the back of your mouth, between teeth, and along the gum line. Additionally, be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Floss Properly
Flossing helps remove plaque between teeth that cannot be reached with brushing alone. Flossing should be done once daily for optimal results; however, if you find it difficult to floss daily, try using floss picks or interdental brushes, as they can make it easier to reach hard-to-reach places.
Be gentle when flossing so as not to damage your gums or cause undue pain.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can help eliminate bacteria that can cause cavities and bad breath while also helping reduce plaque buildup on the surface of the tooth enamel.
When looking for a mouthwash, look for one that contains fluoride, as this will help protect against cavities and strengthen tooth enamel over time. Use mouthwash before flossing and brushing for best results. Rinse, floss, brush.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
Regular visits to the dentist are important for maintaining good oral health and catching any potential problems early on before they become more serious issues down the road.
Most dentists recommend visiting at least twice a year for checkups; however, this may vary depending on individual needs, so always consult your dentist before making any changes in your routine.
Good Oral Hygiene Is Essential
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining optimal health both inside and out. With proper care and attention paid to our mouths each day, we can ensure that we stay on top of our dental needs while protecting ourselves against systemic diseases caused by neglected dental habits! Be sure to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily to keep your teeth healthy and prevent any nasty side effects from poor dental habits!
If you have concerns about your teeth or gums, contact Fairlawn Dental Centre. Our friendly and professional staff will work with you to ensure your questions are answered. They understand how important a healthy smile is to their patients, and they’ll do everything possible to help you achieve one. Book an appointment today!
