Why Good Oral Hygiene Is Important

When many people think of good oral hygiene, they think about having fresh breath and clean teeth. While that’s part of it, there are many other reasons why you need to practice good oral hygiene.

To ensure that you and your family understand the importance of brushing and flossing regularly, let’s explore the many benefits that come with a healthy mouth.

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Did you know that the best way to prevent gum disease is to improve your oral hygiene? And for a condition that affects almost half of all the adults in the United States, preventing gum disease is a pretty big deal.

What’s more, studies are now finding a connection between gum disease and other medical concerns, including:

● Heart disease

● Diabetes

● Cancer

● Stroke

While further research is needed, there is little doubt as to the importance of practicing good oral hygiene. Not only can it help lower your risk of developing the above conditions, but it can also ensure a healthier pregnancy, improve the health of your teeth, reduce your chances of cavities, and much more.

So, what can you do to ensure that you are practicing optimal oral hygiene? Let’s have a look.

How to Improve Your Oral Hygiene

While seeing your dentist on a regular basis is important, good oral hygiene starts at home. Since most people see their dentist only twice a year, you need to make sure that you are doing all that you can to take care of your teeth between your dental appointments.

First, you should brush your teeth twice a day. If you are currently only brushing once a day, you should make yourself get into the habit of doing so twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. You only need to floss once a day, however, as any more could damage your gum health.

It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, preferably between meals. This will help break up harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

By making a habit out of practicing better oral hygiene, you can increase your chances of preventing gum disease and other dental concerns.