Importance of Good Oral Hygiene

Do you know good oral hygiene is the foundation of good oral health? If you are diligent about following good oral care habits, it can avoid a large number of dental problems and allow us to live a better quality of life. Read our blog to learn about the importance of good oral hygiene and how it can benefit you. 

What is oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene means taking good care of one's mouth through diligent brushing, flossing, and following other dental care habits. Good oral hygiene helps keep your teeth clean, white, and free of decay or infection. It also helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease.

Benefits of good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is vital to your overall health. In fact, poor oral hygiene habits may increase your risk of serious health complications. The mouth can accumulate food particles and bacteria throughout the day. If not cleaned properly, bacteria and food particles can linger in the mouth, leading to the following diseases:

• Gum disease
• Oral cancer
• Bad breath
• Teeth staining
• Cavities
• Tooth loss
• Gingival recession
• Tooth sensitivity

A good oral hygiene routine can result in the following benefits:

• Better breath

Regular brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash supplemented by professional dental cleanings are a great start to having better breath. 

• Keeps your teeth healthy

A regular oral hygiene routine, coupled with professional care, can help protect your smile from decay and infection and keep your mouth healthy. 

• Controls gum disease

Maintaining good oral hygiene can dramatically reduce your risk of gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can cause tooth loss, gum recession, gum infection, and bone loss. Getting regular dental check-ups and daily brushing and flossing can protect your mouth from gum disease.

• A better quality of life

Good oral hygiene isn't just about preventing cavities and gum disease. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Oral health issues have been connected to a variety of general health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and premature birth. There is also research that suggests that good oral hygiene can reduce the severity of complications from a stroke and respiratory diseases. Good oral hygiene habits can prevent these general health issues and improve our quality of life. 

How to improve your oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene involves more than just brushing your teeth. To get the best oral health, you should follow these simple rules:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that has fluoride.
• Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles from your mouth that your toothbrush can't reach.
• In addition to regular brushing and flossing, you should also use an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth bacteria-free and fresh.
• Eat a healthy diet, and limit your diet to foods that will not damage your teeth.
• Get regular dental check-ups every six months so as to detect dental problems early, when treatment is often easier and faster.
• Every six months, it's important to visit your dentist and get your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. 

If you want to learn more about the importance of good oral hygiene, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with Boston Dentist. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.