Having a Nice Smile Counts
Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, oral hygiene is of primary importance. It is essential that every one maintain a high level of oral health. As adults, good oral hygiene is important if we want to look and feel our best. Practicing good oral hygiene produces a healthy smile, which gives us confidence like nothing else can.
If we want the benefits of good oral health, we have to be willing to follow and maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine which means brushing, flossing, and sustain a good relationship with our dentist. Some may think that just brushing once a day is all it takes in order to achieve good oral care. Well, we are here to tell you that although brushing at least once a day is better than not at all, it takes much more than that. Along with brushing (after every meal), you must also floss daily, obtain adequate amounts of fluoride, consider your diet and sugar intake, and too, make time for your dentist no less than twice a year. Just following those few simple steps can guide you on your way to a healthy smile, and life.
Why, you may ask is keeping your mouth healthy so important? Improper care of your oral cavity (mouth) can lead to many other health hazards. In 2000, the Surgeon General released a report highlighting on the importance of good overall health, relating oral health to overall health. The Surgeon General found that oral health is often an indication of a patient’s overall health; poor oral health equals poor overall health. Your mouth is a vat full of bacteria. These bacteria enter your mouth through the foods and drinks you take in. If these bacteria’s are not destroyed, or lessened, they can produce diseases such as gum disease (gingivitis) and its advanced stage, periodontitis. Statistics show that about 50% of Americans over 13 have gingivitis and 45% over age 60 suffer some stage of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious diseases that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone, to even tooth loss. Recent medical research indicates that your risk of a heart attack at least doubles if you have periodontal disease. The bacteria builds up in your mouth and forms lesions in the surrounding gum tissue, introducing the bacteria and infection into your bloodstream, eventually making its way to your cardiovascular system. Who would have thought that skipping the brushing and flossing could make you more vulnerable for heart disease? Scary, huh?
There is no way around it – your mouth is high maintenance. Teeth require proper daily care or they will begin to show signs of gum disease, or even worse, fall out. Once again, getting in the routine of healthy oral care is simple and easy. Follow these few simple steps to be on your way to healthier smile and lifestyle.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily.
Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste.
Gentle brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush using a circular motion.
Lightly brush tongue to help remove plaque.
Replace toothbrush every three months.
Visit your dentist for a checkup every 6 months.
If we want the benefits of good oral health, we have to be willing to follow and maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine which means brushing, flossing, and sustain a good relationship with our dentist. Some may think that just brushing once a day is all it takes in order to achieve good oral care. Well, we are here to tell you that although brushing at least once a day is better than not at all, it takes much more than that. Along with brushing (after every meal), you must also floss daily, obtain adequate amounts of fluoride, consider your diet and sugar intake, and too, make time for your dentist no less than twice a year. Just following those few simple steps can guide you on your way to a healthy smile, and life.
Why, you may ask is keeping your mouth healthy so important? Improper care of your oral cavity (mouth) can lead to many other health hazards. In 2000, the Surgeon General released a report highlighting on the importance of good overall health, relating oral health to overall health. The Surgeon General found that oral health is often an indication of a patient’s overall health; poor oral health equals poor overall health. Your mouth is a vat full of bacteria. These bacteria enter your mouth through the foods and drinks you take in. If these bacteria’s are not destroyed, or lessened, they can produce diseases such as gum disease (gingivitis) and its advanced stage, periodontitis. Statistics show that about 50% of Americans over 13 have gingivitis and 45% over age 60 suffer some stage of periodontal disease.
Periodontitis is a chronic infection that affects the gums and the bones that support the teeth. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious diseases that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone, to even tooth loss. Recent medical research indicates that your risk of a heart attack at least doubles if you have periodontal disease. The bacteria builds up in your mouth and forms lesions in the surrounding gum tissue, introducing the bacteria and infection into your bloodstream, eventually making its way to your cardiovascular system. Who would have thought that skipping the brushing and flossing could make you more vulnerable for heart disease? Scary, huh?
There is no way around it – your mouth is high maintenance. Teeth require proper daily care or they will begin to show signs of gum disease, or even worse, fall out. Once again, getting in the routine of healthy oral care is simple and easy. Follow these few simple steps to be on your way to healthier smile and lifestyle.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily.
Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste.
Gentle brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush using a circular motion.
Lightly brush tongue to help remove plaque.
Replace toothbrush every three months.
Visit your dentist for a checkup every 6 months.
