Why Caring For Your Teeth & Gums is So Important
Many patients tend to take their oral health for granted — not realizing the vital role it plays in their overall wellness. Here are our team’s top five reasons to make your oral health a top priority.
1. Supporting Your Overall Health
Patients who fail to practice proper dental habits could have roughly 100 million to 1 billion types of bacteria living on each of their teeth. These bacteria can not only lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease — but they can also drastically affect your overall well-being.
Many of the conditions that affect your teeth and gums can often indicate early signs of disease and can also affect your general health. Oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with gum disease can lead to the development of conditions such as:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke
- Oral Cancer
- Cancer
This means that by caring for your oral health, you’re also limiting the risks of your overall wellness being affected.
2. Detecting Diseases Earlier On
Your dentist will be able to check your teeth and gums for signs of disease, treating any issues as early as possible to protect your health. For example, cavities form due to bacteria on the surface of your teeth — a result of poor dental hygiene. Before your cavity causes the need for a root canal or extraction, your dentist can utilize fluoride, fillings, and crowns.
At ProHEALTH Dental, we’ll monitor your overall wellbeing as well as spot early signs of common conditions related to your oral health, protecting your full-body health.
3. Preventing Pain and Discomfort
When you take the proper steps to care for your teeth and gums, you reduce your chances of developing a number of painful conditions such as bleeding, swollen gums, and tooth pain. Not only are these conditions painful, but if left untreated, they can also lead to the need for more severe treatments such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
4. Avoiding Pregnancy Complications
Though your oral health is a vital part of your overall health, it becomes an even more important part of prenatal care. Research shows that women are more likely to develop gum disease and cavities while they are expecting, with nearly 60 to 75% experiencing gingivitis.
If this condition isn’t managed, gingivitis can turn into a more severe form of periodontal disease. Poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to unwanted health outcomes for both a mother and her baby, including low birth weights and premature births. Visiting your dentist regularly when you are with child not only protects your health but your baby’s health, as well.
5. Reducing the Need for Restorative Treatments
Patients who require restorative dental options such as fillings, veneers, implants, or crowns often need these treatments because of poor dental hygiene. Over time, leaving your oral health unmanaged can cause irreversible damage to your teeth — which means your natural teeth may need to be repaired or replaced for proper function and cosmetic purposes.
Tips to Improve Your Oral Health Routine
In addition to understanding why your oral health is important — it’s crucial to actually practice good dental hygiene. Here are a few ways you can support the health of your teeth and gums.
Eat a Healthy Diet
The food and drinks you consume affect your oral health, so choosing nutritious foods can support healthy gums and teeth. Here are a few top choices to add to your grocery list:
- Seafood
- Spinach
- Lentils
- Fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber.
- Cheeses and other dairy products.
Additionally, there are several foods that can hinder your dental health, including:
- Citrus fruits
- Sugar
- Soft drinks
- Wine
- Refined carbohydrates (such as crackers and bread).
Step Up Your Daily Routine
Most of the care your mouth needs happens at home through your daily routine. This means brushing your teeth regularly and flossing to remove plaque, tartar, and debris. Your daily routine should include:
- Brushing your teeth two to three times daily.
- Drinking plenty of water to get rid of debris and hydrate your mouth.
- Flossing at least once daily.
- Avoiding harmful lifestyle habits such as smoking.
Visit Your Dentist Frequently
While a majority of your dental routine can be done at home, you should still visit your dentist regularly. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have put off their routine health check-ups like dental visits due to fear and concern over safety protocols.
However, putting off dental visits can have a drastic impact on your oral health. Studies show that routine dental care may prevent severe COVID-19 complications. You should visit your dentist every six months so your teeth and gums can be properly cleaned and examined.
Protecting Your Dental Health at ProHEALTH Dental
At ProHEALTH Dental, our mission is to provide services and education to patients regarding the critical importance of proper oral health care and its impact on your overall health.
Book your dental next check-up today online or call (855) 750-5011