Why I should take care of my oral hygiene

Not everyone makes their oral hygiene a priority. While many people will not hesitate to go to the doctor at the first sign of pain or discomfort but will put off going to the dentist as much as possible. 

But everyone should take care of their oral hygiene. Here are some of the reasons why. 

1. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease

Tooth decay and gum disease are very prevalent for people who do not prioritize oral health. If you do not brush your teeth or floss, the plaque and the tartar will build up on your teeth and it will cause your teeth to erode or develop pockets of decay, called a cavity. Not only that, but your gums might be infected too. Worst yet, your teeth will fall out and you will have to go to the dentist for permanent treatment. 

2. To save money from expensive procedures

You know the saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? That applies to oral hygiene. If you do not take care of your teeth and gums, you might have to go through expensive procedures just to get better. You may need to get braces, dentures or even oral surgery because you don’t brush regularly, or you waited too long before you approached a dentist. 

3. To keep that bright smile

Our smiles are very important because it is one of the ways that we can give a good first impression to people we meet for the first time. It would be hard to do that when you are missing a few teeth, or you have stained, yellowed teeth. 

4. To make sure that there will be no serious complications

You might think that things like tooth decay and gum disease are just simple and nothing compared to more serious conditions, but you might be wrong. Did you know that periodontitis can actually affect your heart? Studies show that people who do not practice proper oral hygiene are more likely to develop heart problems, have a heart attack or a stroke. Also, as you grow older, the risk of oral cancer rises, that’s why going to the dentist like this Family dentist in Greenville is important.

How do I take care of my oral hygiene?

1. Brush your teeth regularly

It would be better if you brush after every meal. But it is not just about how often you brush your teeth. You also need to do it correctly. The American Dental Association to move the brush back and forth at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. You should also brush your tongue to ensure fresh breath. It’s also important to floss regularly so that you get rid of the food that gets into the tight spaces that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. 

2. Use a mouthwash

If you want to make sure that your mouth is fresh and clean, you can also add using a mouthwash to your daily habit. The mouthwash helps kill the bacteria in your mouth. 

3. Limit your sugar intake

If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to limit your intake. Add to that are acidic foods like fruits and the like. Both of these can cause the enamel in your teeth to erode. The risk of getting cavities is higher when that happens. While you don’t have to completely eliminate them from your diet, it would be helpful to limit how many times you eat them in a week. Also, if you want to decrease the chances of your teeth getting stained or yellowed, stay away from dark drinks and also try to quit smoking. 

4. Keep your dentist appointments 

This is very important. You should not just think of going to a NJ dentist just because your tooth hurts. The dentist is not just there to treat pain or problems but to actually help you prevent them from happening. Make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups, and make sure that you go to a clinic that is reputable and has experienced professionals, like those at holisticdentistryusa.com. It’s important that you get people who are experts in their field. You also need to see if they have a clean clinic and top of the line tools and equipment. Schedule a consultation period with your potential clinics and choose the one that is within your budget. Go with the dentist that you also feel comfortable with so that you will not hesitate to go to them regularly.