Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important. Your teeth are responsible for properly chewing your food and starting the digestion process. Staff at dental offices worldwide tell patients to practice daily oral hygiene, and here are some of the long-term effects of following our advice.
1. Avoid Tooth Decay
When you practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice daily, you can avoid tooth decay. However, according to US News, only 30% of Americans practice daily flossing. Brushing and flossing get rid of food particles and bacteria like plaque from your teeth. If tooth decay goes untreated, it could eventually develop into a root canal, which requires even more extensive work than a typical filling. Even worse, tooth decay can eventually cause teeth to fall out if you avoid going to a dentist for treatment.
2. Keep Natural Teeth
Wouldn’t it be nice to keep your natural teeth well into old age? The better you care for your teeth, the more likely you can keep all or most of your teeth as you become a senior. Otherwise, you may need dentures or even implants.
3. Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is highly preventable if you practice good oral hygiene and make regular visits to one of the many dental offices around. Gum disease is a serious oral disorder in which your gums can begin to recede. If it worsens, it can result in loose teeth or tooth loss.
4. Have Good Breath
Have you ever been around someone with chronically bad breath? Do you want to be the person everyone steps away from when you open your mouth to talk? When you practice good oral hygiene, you prevent bacteria from lingering in your mouth and causing nasty odors that can lead to halitosis.
5. Reduce Health Risk
Chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes continue to plague many Americans. Gum disease is linked to both diseases, according to Very Well Health. By taking care of your oral health and avoiding gum disease, you also reduce your likelihood of developing other chronic issues that can affect your quality of life.
Staff at dental offices everywhere tell patients the same thing: practice good oral hygiene. As you can see, the benefits of caring for your teeth and gums go beyond having a pretty smile. If you’re ready to keep your oral health in top shape, visit us at our local dental office today.