What Good Oral Health Means for You
Having good oral health is more than having a nice smile and no missing teeth. It centers on a person’s ability to keep their mouth in optimal shape thus resulting in both healthy teeth and gums. The benefits of taking good care of your mouth far exceed the investment of going to the dentist regularly and purchasing necessary care supplies. Maintaining a healthy mouth can make a significant difference in a person’s overall health, happiness, and self-confidence.
What Is Oral Health?
The term “oral health” refers to the condition of your mouth which includes teeth and gums. A person’s mouth is a crucial part of the body enabling him to eat, digest, and speak among other things. Without a properly functioning mouth, everyday tasks such as eating and talking, can become significantly more difficult, painful, and perhaps impossible altogether.
While there is a long list of ways to keep your mouth in optimal shape, here are some of the most common and effective ways to do so:
- Visit your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning
- Floss once every day
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Reduce your intake of foods that breakdown enamel such as soda
- Reduce your intake of sugary foods that can cause cavities
- If you have braces, be sure to clean extra carefully around brackets and wires to avoid tooth decay resulting from trapped food
- Get issues, such as cavities, fixed right away to avoid further damage
When Should I Start?
Many people wonder if it is too late to begin implementing measures to help with maintaining oral health. The truth is it is never too late. However, the earlier in life a person recognizes the importance of such treatment, the better her oral health often is. For parents with children, teach them the value of brushing their teeth and make it fun by introducing music during nightly brushes. Parents may also consider making it a family activity to get everyone actively involved.
What Are the Benefits?
There is an incredible amount of benefits associated with maintaining strong oral health. For starters, it could save money and time. A small problem, such as a cavity, can quickly spiral into severe problems if not addressed immediately. This may result in lots of money and time spent in the future.
Another desirable benefit is the increase in self-esteem and self-confidence that oral health has to offer. People with missing or decayed teeth or bad breath may often find themselves self-conscious when talking to other people. Other benefits include being able to eat and talk more comfortably, being able to be an effective example for other family members, and better overall health.
Rather than wait until it is too late, begin making your oral health a priority today. Contact California Dental Group and find out how their expertise can work in sync with your hygiene habits to achieve optimal oral health.
