Why is it important to maintain good oral hygiene?

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By Nelson Ridge Family Dental

Oral care is the process of keeping one’s mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to avoid disease. Dental hygiene and oral health are sometimes taken for granted, although they are critical components of our daily life. Oral hygiene is critical to your overall health. Oral hygiene is a regimen of cleaning your teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene contributes to healthy teeth, gums, and breath.

What is the relationship between oral and overall health?

Your mouth, like other parts of your body, is teeming with germs that are usually harmless. However, because your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts, some of these bacteria can cause sickness. Bacteria are normally kept under control by the body’s natural defenses and regular oral health care, such as frequent brushing and flossing. However, if adequate oral hygiene is not practiced, bacteria levels can rise to the point where they might cause oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. 

What conditions are associated with oral health?

Your oral health may contribute to a variety of diseases and ailments, including:

  • Endocarditis- This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves often happens when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, migrate through your circulation and attach to specific locations in your heart.
  • Complications during pregnancy and childbirth- Periodontitis has been connected to early birth and low birth weight.
  • Pneumonia- Certain bacteria in your mouth can enter your lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory disorders.

When should you go to the dentist’s?

Schedule regular dental cleanings and exams, including X-rays, to avoid gum disease and other oral health issues. In the meantime, call your dentist if you detect any of the following indications or symptoms of oral health problems:

  • Gums that are red, painful, or swollen
  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Gums that start to pull away from your teeth
  • Permanent teeth that have become loose
  • Exceptional sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Bad breath that persists or a strange flavor in your mouth
  • Chewing is unpleasant

Methods for Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each.
  • Floss daily.
  • Use fluoride-containing toothpaste or mouthwash.
  • Consume a healthy diet that is low in added sugars.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or splayed.
  • Tobacco use should be avoided.
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for preventive care.
  • Follow your dentist’s treatment plan and the oral hygiene suggestions of your dental hygienist.

We hope that this article has informed you about the importance of healthy oral hygiene. If you’re looking for the best dentist in New Lenox, IL, contact Nelson Ridge Family Dental. Remember, early identification and treatment of gum, tooth, and mouth problems can help assure a lifetime of good oral health.

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