You may be wondering, “What’s the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums?” You must know that these are the tissues that protect our teeth from bacteria and germs that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Healthy gums also create a protective seal between our teeth and the rest of our body, keeping the bad stuff out while keeping the good stuff in. Besides that, healthy gums make it easy to brush and floss, thereby preventing cavities and gum disease.
Dental Care Prevents Cavities and Gum Disease
Good dental health is important for a healthy lifestyle. It’s easy to enjoy good food when your teeth and gums are healthy. Dental care is important as you age because your body’s ability to fight infection decreases as you get older. Dental plaque contains acids and bacteria that harm enamel, which makes teeth susceptible to cavities. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly will help prevent cavities and keep your mouth clean. If you have a cavity, a dentist can fill it to prevent further damage.
When you visit a dental practitioner for a cleaning, your hygienist will inspect your mouth to check for cavities, lesions, and faulty fillings. If they notice anything suspicious, they will consult with your dentist. This process can also provide a chance for dental professionals to get to know you and your specific oral health history. A dental hygienist will remove plaque from your teeth using a special scale. Flossing cannot reach these hard-to-reach areas. Your dental hygienist will reach these areas with ease. If you are interested to learn more about dental services in Contra Costa Dental Implants, reach out to us by scheduling an appointment.
Brushing Twice a Day
Several studies have linked poor oral health to many serious diseases. Diabetes, for example, is linked to poor oral health, as is endocarditis. Poor oral health can even affect the quality of pregnancy and childbirth. Research has also linked oral health to quality of life and earnings potential. Thus, brushing your teeth and gums at least twice a day is important for overall health. Brushing is essential in preventing a range of oral diseases.
There is a wide variety of bacteria that live in the mouth. If left unchecked, some of these bacteria can wreak havoc on oral health. Bacteria can wear away tooth enamel, exposing the root of your teeth to harmful invaders.
Moreover, some researchers link oral bacteria to some respiratory conditions and some cancers. Consequently, brushing twice a day can help your body remove these harmful microbes.
Flossing
Regular flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene. By cleaning between teeth, flossing can prevent plaque buildup, which can damage your teeth. Bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel and gums. Without flossing, bacteria colonize in the mouth and cause gingivitis, which leads to bleeding and sensitivity. Fortunately, if you practice regular flossing, the infection can be treated and avoided altogether.
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily can help keep plaque levels down. Plaque is a colorless, sticky film that collects on your teeth and along your gum line. You can’t see this film, but it’s there. It forms when bacteria in your mouth combine carbohydrates with acids to create a sticky substance. Unless you brush your teeth every day, plaque will eventually build up, making it difficult for your teeth to stay clean.
Using an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwash is important to keep the mouth free of harmful bacteria. Use a mouthwash after brushing and flossing can remove food particles and debris that may not be reached with regular oral hygiene. This product helps to flush out the mouth more thoroughly, killing bacteria that can cause damage to your teeth and gums. By using an antibacterial mouthwash, you can help protect your teeth from gum disease and tooth decay, while ensuring that you always have fresh breath.
While it is important to use an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing your teeth, you should also avoid alcohol-based mouthwash, which may dry out the mouth and increase the risk of gum disease. Additionally, mouthwashes containing alcohol are not recommended for children, since swallowing them is dangerous for their health. To ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums, you should consult with your dentist about an antibacterial mouthwash.
Getting a Dental Cleaning
Your oral health directly impacts the rest of your body. Getting regular dental cleanings can help to maintain your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to heart attacks and stroke. Professional dental cleanings can reduce inflammation caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth and improve blood vessel function, promoting better blood flow throughout the body. Regular dental checkups can also detect serious health conditions such as oral cancer.
A cavity can be difficult to detect, but it can be quite painful if left untreated. Early signs of decay include bad breath, sensitivity to hot and cold food, and bleeding gums. The best way to detect cavities early is to have a routine checkup with a dentist at least twice a year. A dental X-ray can show whether there are any cavities before they are visible. Dental sealants can help protect the top chewing surfaces of teeth from bacteria.
