A beautiful and healthy smile is one of a person’s greatest assets. Not only is it contagious, but it also improves your self-esteem. One of the many ways to achieve it is through good dental hygiene.
People are especially reminded of this gesture every October, known as National Dental Hygiene Month. This annual celebration helps the public to understand its importance and become more aware of the good oral habits they should practice daily. Listed below are more reasons explaining the essence of having healthy teeth and gums.
Dental Hygiene Influences Your Overall Health
Few people are aware that oral health affects one’s overall well-being. Like any other part of your body, your mouth harbors bacteria. They can get to levels that cause serious dental problems without proper hygiene. Since your mouth provides passage to your internal systems, bacteria may cause digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications.
A Harvard study found that people who developed gum disease had a greater risk of suffering from stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related problems. That’s why preventive measures, such as ensuring a healthy dental condition, are important.
Dental Hygiene Prevents Oral Diseases From Worsening
Dental hygiene is also significant to the early detection and treatment of oral diseases. As mentioned, dental problems can escalate easily. Plaques, or films of bacteria on your teeth, can turn into tooth decay, and before you know it, you may already be suffering from periodontal disease or tooth loss. Frequent visits to your dentist can treat these issues right away before they can even get worse.
Dental Hygiene Helps You Have a Healthy Pregnancy
Another factor that your oral health impacts is pregnancy. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental hygiene is vital in prenatal care. A study even found that periodontitis in pregnant women was associated with adverse pregnancy effects like having low birth weight and premature birth. Therefore, taking care of your oral hygiene benefits you and the baby inside your womb.
Talk to Specialists Today
Maintaining dental hygiene is a worthy commitment you must make for your overall health. To help you learn things you have to do to keep your teeth and gums healthy, meet our dental hygienists at Aegis Dental Group or Angola Dental Center. Our offices in Goshen, Warsaw, and Angola are always open for any of your dental questions or needs. Call us today for more details.