The Importance of Dental Hygiene
Whatever happens in one part of the body can often affect other areas of the body. For this reason, it is essential to understand the importance of dental hygiene in daily life. Proper dental care involves regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.
You should also schedule a routine checkup with your dentist at least twice a year. A dentist can perform an oral, teeth cleaning, and also identify any issues with your teeth or gums. You may want to discuss the importance of oral hygiene the next time you are at the clinic.
The Importance of Dental Hygiene For Overall Health
You may wonder how the importance of dental hygiene affects overall health. The purpose of oral hygiene is to prevent bacteria buildup. Good dental hygiene keeps bacteria from reaching other areas of your body like your heart, bloodstream, or lungs. Likewise, poor dental hygiene can lead to other health conditions.
Oral conditions and diseases caused by poor dental hygiene include:
- Cavities
- Gum disease (gingivitis)
- Periodontitis
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Oral cancer
If bacteria builds up in your oral cavity for long periods, it can lead to pneumonia, endocarditis, pregnancy complications, and cardiovascular diseases. Other oral conditions prove the importance of dental hygiene. Conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and osteoporosis.
The Importance of Dental Hygiene In Treating Oral Health Problems
When discussing the importance of oral hygiene with your dentist, address oral health problems that have occurred recently. If you allow health problems to continue, they will get worse. For instance, if you do not treat gingivitis, it may spread.
There are ways that you can both treat and prevent oral health problems with good dental hygiene and professional care. Therefore, if you have a condition, your dentist may recommend treatment such as:
Teeth Cleaning
The best way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, or other problems is by keeping your teeth clean. You may want to schedule a tooth cleaning every six months during your oral exam. Dentists can perform a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar behind the gums around the root of the tooth.
Fluoride Treatments
Did you know that you can get fluoride treatments at any time? You don’t have to wait for your next oral exam. Your dentist can provide different types of fluoride treatments, such as a gel or liquid. Fluoride strengthens and builds your enamel. Don’t forget the fluoride is also present in mouthwash and toothpaste.
Antibiotics
If you have a gum infection or an abscessed tooth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to kill the virus. Medicines come in a mouth rinse, gel, tablets, and capsules. You can apply a topical antibiotic gel to your gums as well.
Learn More About the Importance of Dental Hygiene
We promote the importance of dental hygiene and offer comprehensive dental treatment to all our clients. If you need a teeth cleaning or an oral exam, contact us online or call us at 972.231.3013 to schedule a session. We are here to help you with all your dental needs.
