The importance of good oral care and hygiene cannot be understated, and countless studies are now proving the strong connection between dental health and overall wellbeing. If you are looking for good local dental care experts, then you have come to the right place. Here at Comfort Care Family Dental, we are ready to help you attain and preserve the perfect smile.
“New findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that approximately 50% of people 30 years and older have some degree of periodontal disease. Routine oral health is important, but only an estimated 44.5% of people obtain professional dental care on a regular basis. Clinical studies have shown that those with poor oral hygiene are at increased risk of developing various oral health problems. Poor oral hygiene is directly responsible for increased incidence of dental caries, periodontal disease, halitosis, oral pain, and discomfort for denture wearers. In addition, some clinical studies have indicated a link between some oral cancers and poor dental and oral hygiene” (Pharmacy Times). This is why it is critical to understand the importance of good oral health and how it is connected to our overall health and wellbeing.
What conditions may be linked to oral health?
The importance of good oral care and hygiene is obvious when you consider the many ways oral health can be impacted by other health conditions and how poor oral hygiene can make other health conditions much worse:
Endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection that takes hold in the lining of the heart. It is usually bacterial in nature and occurs when an infection from one part of the body enters the heart. The mouth is the most common source of infection that causes this condition, and poor oral hygiene can make the infection all the more serious. God dental care habits can limit your chances of bactieral spread to your heart!
Cardiovascular disease. Some research has shown a possibility that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke can also be strongly linked to poor dental and oral health. Infections from the mouth, bacterial colonies, and other germs can all stress the heart and cause problems throughout the circulatory system. As bacteria and germs move through the body, it can a become established in other areas where it will then cause infection and inflammation.
Pregnancy and birth. One of the many steps that need to be taken to protect health during pregnancy is to take care of dental health. Periodontitis disease of the gums and severe dental infections has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. It can also lead to complications during the pregnancy such as diabetes, preeclampsia, and edema. Seeing a dentist regularly during the pregnancy can help reduce the risk of dental related problems.
Certain conditions can make it easier for you to get periodontal disease or experience other severe dental issues and problems including:
Diabetes. When you have diabetes, you are more prone to infections and may find it harder to fight off infections. This means that understanding the importance of good oral care and hygiene is essential to staying healthy. Diabetics need to have more routine dental checkups than most non-diabetics do.
HIV/AIDS. Oral problems like lesions, sores, and ulcers, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS. These can open the door to infection and other dental problems. Our local dental care experts can help you with your dental care needs and protect your overall health and wellbeing.
Osteoporosis. The condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle is also connected to oral health. Bone loss throughout the body may also be linked to jaw bone loss and tooth loss as the loss of bone mass can lead to other dental problems.
Alzheimer’s disease. Worsening oral health has been linked in several studies to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Mental decline, memory loss, slow recall, and cognitive disorders can also be made worse by oral infections.
Other health conditions. Many other health conditions can be linked to or worsened by poor dental health- eating disorders, digestive issues, rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, autoimmune disorders as well as many others. This is why taking care of your teeth and gums is so important to keep yourself as healthy as possible!
How can I protect my oral health?
To protect your oral health, it is important to get routine cleanings and support from your local dental care experts. You also have to practice good oral hygiene every day, no excuses! Here is what you need to do:
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Brush your teeth at a minimum of twice a day-morning and night. - Floss daily, one to two times a day if possible.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Replace your toothbrush when the bristles are frayed or after a major dental event.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid sugary foods, drink plenty of water, and keep your overall health in check.
- Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption.
As soon as an oral health problem arises, call your dentists and schedule an appointment. Our dental care experts here at Comfort Care Family Dental are ready to help you understand the importance of good oral care and hygiene. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health and we can help you every step of the way!
Top 10 Reasons for Regular Dental Care:
“A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. The phrase “healthy mouth, healthy you” really is true — and backed by growing scientific evidence” (WebMD).
- Save money. It is easier and more affordable to prevent dental problems than it is to correct them, so taking care of your mouth is a great way to save yourself money!
- Fresh Breath. The importance of good oral care and hygiene is easy to see when your breath starts to smell bad, so make sure you see the local dental care experts regularly to control it.
- Stay kissable. No one wants to kiss someone with bad breath or other major dental problems, so taking care of your teeth will help you get more smooches from your love.
- Prevent gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are serious business and can lead to major dental issues including tooth loss and bone law in the jaw.
- Lowers heart attack or stroke risk. If the bacteria from an infection in your mouth enters your heart, it can lead to a heart attack, cause blood clots, or even cause a stroke.
- Fights advanced Diabetes. Any infection will affect blood sugar levels, and diabetics are more prone to infection, so taking care of your mouth helps fight on both fronts.
- Have a healthy baby and pregnancy. Pregnant women are more susceptible to health risks when they have advanced dental issues like gum disease or infection.
- Prevent Dementia. Poor oral health can increase your risk for dementia and similar conditions by 1/3 so talk to the local dental care experts about how you can fight it.
- Improves enamel protection. Fluoride toothpaste helps protect your teeth and strengthens enamel while flossing ensures food particles are removed to keep teeth healthy.
- Boosts self-esteem. A healthy smile is one of the best ways to improve your self-esteem and make you feel more confident and more outgoing.
To learn more about the importance of good oral care and hygiene and how it can affect your overall health, give us a call! The Comfort Care Family Dental team of local dental care experts are ready to help you improve your overall health by showing you how to take care of your teeth and gums- starting right now! So call us now and take that first step today.
Comfort Care Family Dental P.C.
1001 E Chicago Ave #143, Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 369-0111
http://www.comfortcaredentists.com
