Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene refers to habits that keep the inside of your mouth, including the teeth, gums and tongue, clean and free from diseases. Good oral hygiene practices include regular brushing of the teeth and gums, flossing to clean between the teeth. Some people also incorporate the use of mouth wash into their dental care routine. Regular dentist visits are also part of maintaining good oral hygiene and dental health. Good oral health is important for many reasons.

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Why Is Oral Hygiene Important?

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Oral hygiene helps to ensure overall oral health. This is important because:

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It Reduces the Risk of Tooth Loss, Dental Decay and Gum Disease

Good dental care is vital to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. Poor oral hygiene can result in tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. These conditions can be painful and affect your ability to eat and drink. In severe cases, this can result in dehydration or malnutrition. Dental conditions also impact your appearance, which can lead to feelings of poor self-confidence. The better your oral health is throughout life, and the better you take care of your teeth, the less chance there is of you experiencing tooth loss as you age.  

 

It Enhances Your Overall Health

Several studies have found links between poor oral health and various health conditions, both physical and mental. For example, gum disease can be connected to heart disease and poor dental health can lead to digestion problems. Emotional health can be affected by poor oral health too.

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It Can Prevent or Reduce Bad Breath

A buildup of plaque encourages bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria can cause foul smells, which result in bad breath. Mouth washes may temporarily mask the problem, but they don’t address the root cause. Bad breath can cause anxiety, embarrassment and impact on personal and professional relationships.   

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It Can Give You a Whiter Smile

Good oral hygiene is essential for removing debris that can stain and discolor the teeth. And, for most people, a brighter whiter smile can give more self-confidence and boost self-esteem.

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It Can Help Detect Other Health Issues

Regular dental check-ups are an important part of oral hygiene practices. You can identify any issues sooner rather than later and learn how to properly take care of your teeth and mouth. Your dentist can also correct any issues before they become a bigger problem.

Routine checks can also indirectly check other aspects of your health. Some conditions produce changes in the mouth in their early stages, for example diabetes and certain vitamin deficiencies. If your dentist spots any changes, they can alert you to seek medical attention as soon as possible

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How Can I Practice Good Oral Hygiene?

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There are several ways you can take care of your oral health:

• Brush your teeth regularly, at least twice each day

• Use a good quality toothpaste and toothbrush

• Floss your teeth regularly, preferably every day

• Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating

• Avoid sugary foods and drinks

• Avoid fizzy drinks

• Don’t smoke

• Schedule regular dentist visits for routine checks and always attend follow-up appointments

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Villarreal Dental offers diverse services to keep your teeth and mouth in prime condition. As well as routine checks and cleaning, a dental professional can teach you how to take proper care of your mouth and how to practice good oral hygiene. Other services include restorative work, such as fillings and crowns, tooth whitening, emergency dental care and cosmetic dentistry to improve your smile and the overall appearance of your teeth. Call or use the online contact form to make an appointment for the whole family.