As dental professionals, we know how important it is to prioritize your oral health. Good oral hygiene habits can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems, and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
Here are just a few of the reasons why oral health is so important:
Prevent Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common oral health problems, and they can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode your tooth enamel, while gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, but they can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits.
Maintain Overall Health
Did you know that poor oral health has been linked to a number of systemic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke? Researchers believe that the bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to these conditions. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can help maintain your overall health and wellbeing.
Improve Your Appearance
Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and a healthy, attractive smile can help boost your confidence and self-esteem. Good oral hygiene habits can help prevent tooth discoloration, bad breath, and other cosmetic issues, and keep your smile looking its best.
Save Money on Dental Care
Preventing oral health problems is often much more cost-effective than treating them. By taking care of your teeth and gums with regular check-ups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene habits, you can avoid more expensive dental procedures down the line.
Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health
Now that you know why oral health is so important, here is a list of tips for maintaining good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food particles.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode your tooth enamel.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth from injury.
- Avoid tobacco products, which can cause oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay.
- Chew sugar-free gum.
- Drink plenty of water.
April is Oral Health Month!
Spring cleaning has another meaning! This is a time for dental professionals and patients alike to focus on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits, scheduling regular dental check-ups, and promoting oral health awareness. During this month, dental practices across the country may offer special promotions or events to help encourage patients to prioritize their oral health. By taking advantage of these opportunities and making a commitment to good oral hygiene, you can help ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
“Can bad oral health affect my overall wellbeing?”
Yes, bad oral health can affect your overall wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene habits and untreated oral health issues can contribute to a range of systemic health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease: Research has found that the bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to the development of heart disease.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
- Respiratory infections: The bacteria that cause gum disease can also be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
- Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with gum disease may be at higher risk of complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.
- Dementia: Research has found a link between gum disease and cognitive decline in older adults.
In addition to these health problems, poor oral health can also have a negative impact on your quality of life, causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating and speaking. For these reasons, it’s important to prioritize good oral hygiene habits and seek treatment for any oral health issues that arise.
The Canadian Dental Association & Oral Health
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a national non-profit organization that represents dentists across Canada. According to the CDA, oral health is an essential component of overall health and wellbeing. The CDA recommends that individuals of all ages practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Additionally, the CDA emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet that is low in sugary and acidic foods and drinks. The CDA also highlights the link between oral health and overall health, noting that poor oral health has been associated with a range of systemic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Overall, the CDA promotes the importance of maintaining good oral health throughout all stages of life and encourages individuals to take an active role in their own oral health care.
Book Your Next Dental Hygiene Appointment in West Kelowna
Our office welcomes new patients from Kelowna and West Kelowna! Regardless of your dental needs, age, or financial situation, we have a solution for you.
Regular dental hygiene appointments are an essential component of good oral health. During these appointments, a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, removing any plaque, tartar, and bacteria that may have accumulated since your last appointment. Regular cleanings can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health problems, and can also help keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.
Additionally, dental hygienists can provide personalized recommendations for at-home oral hygiene habits and answer any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health. By scheduling regular dental hygiene appointments, you can help ensure that your mouth stays healthy and free of any oral health issues that could impact your overall health and well-being.
At New Look Dental, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain good oral health. If you’re due for a dental check-up or have any questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.
New Look Dental is Now Open Fridays & Select Saturdays!
Our mission: “We provide comprehensive care and comfort to our patients and value their time. We share our expertise with them and strive for their understanding and acceptance of the treatment that we recommend according to their dental needs.”
Together, we can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come! Click here to book online.