How Important is Oral Hygiene for Your Overall Health? The Answer May Surprise You
Everyone seems to be busier than ever these days, and it’s hard for many people to find the time to do the things they need to get done. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for a person to not realize just how important their oral hygiene can be – not just for their teeth but for their overall health. Read on to learn more about why this one aspect of health is so important. Then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a California dentist.
Seeing a dentist regularly has more advantages than you may realize
Even if you brush and floss exactly as advised, it’s still important to see your dentist for a cleaning and check up every six months. An appointment with your dentist can catch any issues when they’re still minor. For example, catching a cavity when it’s just starting to form is much easier, less painful, and less expensive to handle than a cavity that’s grown much larger.
What you do at home makes a big difference
While it’s true that seeing your dentist regularly is important, it’s not enough in and of itself. You must also brush and floss regularly – and correctly! Not doing so can lead to an accumulation of plaque and tartar, which is the start of potentially serious oral hygiene issues. We recommend that you brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing daily is enough for most people.
Many habits can reduce the quality of your oral health
As is true of every aspect of your health, there’s a delicate balance when it comes to your oral health. There are many factors that can affect it. For example, if you eat or drink a lot of sugary foods or beverages, then you may end up with tooth decay and cavities. Using tobacco products can stain your teeth, irritate your gums, and increase your chance of oral cancer.
Your nutrition can have a big impact on your oral health too. If you don’t get enough Vitamin C then you could be more susceptible to infections including gum disease. Not having enough Vitamin D can lead to weak teeth and gums in poor quality.
Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just affect your teeth and gums
One of the biggest mistakes people make is to believe that how well they take care of their oral health affects only their teeth and gums. This simply isn’t true. Think of your teeth as the gateway to the rest of your body. An infection in your gums, otherwise known as gum disease, can result in losing bone around your gums and could even lead to health issues like diabetes, complications with pregnancy, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
For this and other reasons, we highly recommend getting regular exams and cleanings from California Dental Group. Contact us today at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment and let us help you improve your oral health and your overall health.
