(HealthNewsDigest.com) – We hear a lot about how important eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, taking vitamins, and getting adequate exercise are when it comes to enjoying overall good health. It’s not as common, though, that we hear about the role good oral health plays in our wellbeing.
Good oral care and dental hygiene are essential for preventing tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Taking care of your teeth can also make your teeth whiter and more attractive, and help you hang onto your teeth as you get older. But many people don’t realize that there is also a correlation between their dental health and their overall wellness, and that issues with your dental health can affect the rest of your body.
There is some proof that oral bacteria and periodontitis (also known as gum disease) can play a role in several serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, erectile dysfunction, and premature birth.
See below for some tips that you can use to maintain your oral health that might also help you improve your overall wellbeing.
Make Good Oral Hygiene a Habit
Everybody knows it’s true, but it’s still worth mentioning that regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth. (Be sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to your teeth and gums from overbrushing.)
Electric toothbrushes are recommended by some dentists because they can be very effective at removing plaque and bacteria below the gum line and can minimize injuries to the teeth and gums from brushing too hard.
Some dentists might also suggest that you use a water pick device or “water flosser” to remove food and plaque from between your teeth that can be difficult to eliminate using a regular toothbrush. Water picks are often recommended for people who wear braces. Water picks are relatively inexpensive and are available online and at drugstores and department stores.
Flossing is one of the simplest, most cost effective and most important things you can do to maintain your oral health. You should floss at least twice a day, but flossing is most important at bedtime. Dental floss is available in a number of brands, flavors, thicknesses and textures. Test out a few different kinds to find the one that you like best.
Get Dental Check Ups Every Six Months
It might seem obvious that regular dental cleanings are needed to help maintain a healthy smile, but a surprising number of people don’t bother to visit their dentist regularly. Dental cleanings are recommended for most people two times a year. Cleanings are important not just for removing plaque and bacterial buildup from your gums and teeth, your oral hygienist and/or dentist will also look for evidence of tooth decay, cracked or chipped teeth, oral cancers and gum disease. Regular dental x-rays can also help detect problems such as abscesses, cavities and bone loss so that they can be treated early.
Consider Fluoride Treatments for Kids
Most dental insurance policies cover fluoride treatment for people under the age of 18. Regular fluoride treatments during childhood can help prevent tooth decay for life.
Find a Family Dentist You Feel Comfortable With
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, or if you need to find a new dentist, you should look for a family dental practice that handles a variety of common tooth and gum issues. Taylor-Wagner Family Dentistry in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a good example.
Although finding a new dentist might seem like a difficult task, reading online reviews or asking family members or friends for recommendations are generally good ways to find a dentist you will like and trust. If you don’t like a dentist or don’t feel comfortable with him or her after your first visit, it’s important to remember that you are not obligated to continue seeing them. It’s OK to switch to another practice.
Don’t Wait to Have Dental Issues Taken Care Of
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their oral health is waiting too long to have dental issues like cavities and broken teeth looked at by a dentist. Many times, if they are caught early, cavities and other issues can be repaired quickly, easily and at minimum cost.
Waiting to address dental problems can result not only in the issues becoming more severe and expensive to treat but, as mentioned above, ongoing dental issues can also be contributing factors in a number of serious health issues.