Did you know that the health of your mouth can affect your health in general? Having good oral health & good oral hygiene is very important for overall health. Harmful oral conditions such as severe tooth loss, gum disease, and cavities can lead to painful infections and problems related to eating and speaking. Cavities are a widespread oral condition faced by people of all ages. Cavities are permanently damaged areas on the surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are caused by many factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent consumption of sugary drinks and snacks, and poor oral hygiene. Per a recent report shared by the CDC, 1 in 4 adults have cavities, and 52% of children have holes, including kids with baby teeth.
Good Hygiene Benefits.
Having healthy gums and teeth brings many benefits that will improve the rest of the body and our overall well-being. To mention a few, having solid and healthy teeth help us properly chew and digest food; it plays a vital role in our speech since it allows us to speak clearly. Healthy teeth can also give us greater self-esteem since they are essential for the shape of our faces. Proper oral hygiene will also help avoid bad breath since this is often caused by a build-up of plaque or gum disease, which requires professional dental care.
Long-term Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene.
In preventing tooth decay and gum disease with good dental habits such as having a low sugar diet, brushing at least twice a day, flossing your teeth before going to bed, and visiting the Dental office regularly for your check-up and dental cleaning; you’re extending the long-term use of your teeth. Women thinking of becoming pregnant or who are pregnant should maintain good oral health practices. The health of the mother’s gums can affect the baby in many ways; one of them is a pregnant woman with gum disease could potentially give birth before 35 weeks, and this is because gum disease affects the chemicals that induce labor.
Health Problems Linked to Poor Dental Care.
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Giving birth to premature babies
- Respiratory disease
- Alzheimer
Some Signs of Bad Oral Health
- Inflammation, redness, swelling & bleeding on the gums
- Bad breath or taste in your mouth
- Mouth infections & loose teeth
If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms, please have a dental check-up as soon as possible since oral conditions are easier to treat early on. At Sage Dental, we have over 80 locations with a dedicated team of Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Periodontists & more! Find a location nearby.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/index.html
