For many people, habits surrounding their oral hygiene began when they were very young. Brushing your teeth is one of the first responsibilities you have as a child. Unfortunately, not everyone develops those habits, and some people don’t realize what a huge effect that can have on your overall health and well-being. Oral health is about more than a shiny white smile. We’ll go over the importance of good oral hygiene habits to make sure you understand why they are so crucial to your life.
Prevent Tooth and Gum Decay
The first and most obvious reason to develop good oral hygiene habits is to protect your teeth and gums from disease and decay. Plaque and tartar are the enemies that you need to thwart by having good oral hygiene habits. Your mouth can become a breeding ground for plaque and tartar that slowly eat away at your teeth and gums over time. Thankfully, you can counteract this by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Teeth and gum decay are nasty problems to deal with; they can be both painful and embarrassing if you don’t take care of yourself.
Prevent Other Health Issues
Part of the importance of good oral hygiene habits is that your oral health affects more than just your mouth. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and cause gum disease, which can spread and exacerbate heart disease and diabetes. There is evidence that poor oral hygiene can make problems even worse for people with chronic inflammation issues such as arthritis. Having poor oral hygiene can even cause issues related to pregnancy. There’s no reason anyone should have to deal with these issues when good oral hygiene habits are easy to pick up and keep.
Ensure Long-Term Dental Health
Your teeth and gums are sensitive parts of your body, and they can often be an issue as you get older. Those who don’t develop good oral hygiene habits early on can end up paying for it later, both literally and metaphorically. If you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, you end up with a much higher chance of needing teeth removed and possibly needing dentures as you get older. Your best bet is to start good oral hygiene habits today to prevent any future problems.
If you need a full-service dental office in Charlotte, the Engel Institute is here to help. We want you and yours to enjoy good oral health for many years to come. Regular visits to dental professionals are also a key component of good oral health, so make sure you get your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year.
