If your New Year’s resolution is to improve your health, don’t forget that your oral health contributes to your overall health. Whether you want to keep up with flossing daily, quit smoking or incorporate more healthy, teeth-friendly food and drink into your diet, remember that consistency is the key to reaching any goal!
Having good oral health not only means having a beautiful smile, it also includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist regularly to maintain your mouth health. Maintaining your oral health is a lifetime commitment and learning the importance of taking care of your mouth health should begin at a young age. We believe positive dental experiences and fun oral health education will enable children to preserve a bright, clean, healthy smile into adulthood.
Good oral hygiene can help to prevent tooth decay, gum disease (inflammation of the gums) and bad breath. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria (majority of them are harmless) and keeping a good oral hygiene routine will help to keep these bacteria under control, minimizing the risk of any infections.
Brushing and flossing is important in removing sticky dental plaque that can lead to bad breath and dental decay. Sticky and sugary foods help the bacteria in our mouths to produce acids that can lead to tooth decay. Eating fruits and vegetable such as apples, carrots and celery are not only good for you, but they’re good for your teeth too. They increase the amount of saliva in your mouth, which helps to wash away plaque. In addition, dairy products such as milk and cheese help to reduce the amount of acid in your mouth, minimizing the risk of dental decay.
Leaving plaque for too long can eventually turn it into tartar. Tartar is what you want to avoid because it can require dental attention to be removed and can lead to gum infections. When plaque builds up it can lead to a gum infection called gingivitis, which can eventually turn into periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth), a more serious form of the infection. With regular brushing and flossing, gingivitis can usually be reversed. However, periodontitis can destroy the bones, gums and tissue if not treated.
The status of your oral health can indicate a number of things happening inside your body. There are a number of conditions that cause oral symptoms. For example, people with diabetes tend to have worse oral health problems and are more susceptible to gum disease.
The effects of poor oral health are not just restricted to the mouth, but it can be painful and sometimes even embarrassing, which can negatively affect your self-esteem and quality of life. Some research suggests that there is a connection between poor oral health and health problems including heart attack and stroke. In addition, smoking is a risk factor for gum disease and oral cancer. If you’re a smoker and your New Year’s resolution is to quit, remember that doing so will be beneficial to your oral health and therefore your overall health.
When it comes to dental care, it’s better to be proactive to prevent dental issues from arising rather than reactive if you want to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Basic dental care includes regular brushing and flossing, eating a healthy diet and visiting your dentist regularly. Also, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles begin to fray! When and if oral health issues including pain arise, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.
At Oakville Place Dental Office, we’re here to help you and your family receive quality dental care.
We provide family dentistry services, including teeth cleaning, dental sealants, fillings, full service dental check ups and teeth whitening. We also provide cosmetic dentistry services such as porcelain veneers, root canals, dental implants and more to improve the look of your smile. We treat emergencies promptly and always welcome new patients! Additionally, we will work with your insurance company to bill them directly for applicable services whenever possible.
We also offer the latest in dental technology to make your Oakville Dental visit as stress-free as possible.
If you would like to schedule your next dental appointment, contact us today!
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