Chances are you’ve been learning about the benefits of good oral hygiene since you were first introduced to a toothbrush as a child. We all know brushing our teeth should be a part of our daily routine, but the benefits go far beyond fresh breath. Good oral hygiene is the number one way to prevent gum disease, a condition afflicting nearly half of American adults according to a study by the American Academy of Periodontology.
This statistic alone is alarming, but it gets worse as more and more studies are linking the inflammation of gum disease with other conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer – all epidemics in our country.
We’d like to combat periodontal disease, as well as improve your overall health by explaining the benefits of good oral hygiene. It’s up to you to make the change, and we are here to help!
The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
- Reduce the chance of tooth decay
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
- Reduce the likelihood of cavities, and the resulting fillings
- Preventative care is always less expensive than emergency care
- Keeping your teeth (rather than needing dentures or crowns) is more likely
- Fresher breath
- Reduced chance of root canals and oral surgery
- Better gum health
- Lowered risk of cancer
- Lowered risk of stroke
- Lowered risk of heart disease and heart attack
- Healthier pregnancy and stronger fertility
- Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Overall, good oral care results in a healthier mouth and a healthier body!
Recommendations for Good Oral Hygiene
The basis of good oral hygiene starts with good home care. The American Dental Association recommends:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing at least once a day
- Drinking water between meals
- And of course, seeing your dentist on a regular basis