Importance of Dental Health

Your dental health is more important than you might realize. In fact, “a healthy smile is a healthy you”, they say. Oral health means more than just an attractive smile though. So what’s the connection? How can good dental hygiene make you more healthy in both physical and emotional terms?

Like many areas of the body including your skin and your nose, your mouth is also full of bacteria. In normal conditions, most of them are harmless though. This balance is maintained by our body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing which can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

In addition, new studies have shown that an unhealthy mouth, especially if you have gum disease, may increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor. So it does add up. Your mouth is like the an entry point of bacteria which may or may not be controlled. When the defenses are no longer intact, it can affect other parts of your body as well.

In an emotional and social perspective, having healthy teeth gives you confidence and confidence can do so many things. Who doesn’t find a complete set of pearly whites attractive, right?  Studies also show that having an amazing smile, objectively defined as having a complete set of teeth, makes you look more approachable and more attractive. Not as important as the physical benefits but it does help right?

So how do you keep your mouth, including your teeth, healthy? Here are some simple ways:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
Schedule regular dental checkups.

Do talk to your dentist and ask them anything about dental health. They are sure to have the answers to all your queries! Don’t have a dentist yet? You are at America Top 10 are you not?