If you often overlook dental care because you lead a busy life or have limited financial resources, you aren’t alone. However, the importance of oral hygiene cannot be stressed enough. From preventing tooth loss to early detection of cancer and other diseases, it’s vital to take your dental practices as seriously as other aspects of your health. Let’s explore some of the reasons why dental care is important in more detail:
What is Dental Care?
Dental care is more than just about boasting a beautiful smile. It involves taking steps to remove bacteria and maintain healthy teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth. These practices include dental check-ups, cleanings, and procedures like cavity fillings. It also includes your daily routines, like brushing and flossing.
Your mouth has a microbiome, the environment in which different bacteria, viruses, and fungi exist. Without proper dental care, these microbes can band together in a complex mix leading to periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums and supporting bones). This infection can impact the rest of your body in various ways.
4 Reasons Why Dental Care is Important
Aside from keeping your teeth bright and white and giving you the confidence to show off your smile, here are some other reasons why dental care is important:
Impacts Overall Health
Lack of dental care can lead to periodontal disease, as outlined above. This chronic inflammation can spread to other areas of the body, such as your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Periodontal disease can also increase the likelihood of oral, pancreatic, kidney, and blood cancer. Additionally, if you’re someone who lives with diabetes, these oral infections can make it harder to control your glucose levels.
Provides Early Detection for Cancer and Other Diseases
Another key benefit of dental care is the possibility of early detection of oral cancer and other diseases. During your routine exam, your dentist can spot any abnormal changes, like lumps and mouth sores, through visual assessments and feeling around the jaw and neck area for potential masses. These screenings can indicate the health of your oral cavity or help connect to other underlying conditions present in your body, like vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or even leukemia.
Prevents Tooth Loss
Plaque buildup can result in gum infection, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Teeth are essential for chewing, swallowing, and digestion, directly impacting your nutritional health. Gaps in your smile may limit the types of foods you can eat, which may hinder the healthiness of your diet. Tooth loss can also impact your quality of life, affecting your appearance and speech abilities.
Reduce the Risk of Dementia
A growing body of research links oral health to cognitive function and the risk of dementia. Studies show that the bacteria species found in gum disease can migrate to the brain through the bloodstream. This leads to inflammation, destruction of nerve cells, potential memory loss and Alzheimer’s.
Oral Hygiene Best Practices
Proper oral hygiene is the first step to maintaining a beautiful smile and preventing severe health concerns. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Get regular checkups and cleanings twice a year.
- Keep a balanced diet, eat nutritious foods, and avoid excessive sugar.
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily.
- Avoid excessive use of tobacco products and alcohol.
Care for Your Oral Health with Yazdani Family Dentistry
At Yazdani Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you with the best practices for your oral health. We provide regular checkups and cleanings and have a team of experts that can screen for early warning signs of oral cancer and other diseases. Contact us today to book an appointment.
