Cavities and gum disease are among the most problematic dental health conditions in terms of their effect on health and quality of life. The good news is that all of these conditions are preventable. An important part of prevention, of course, is dental health awareness. But what is dental health awareness and why is it important? We're talking about all of that and more in this quick guide to your oral health.
Why Is Dental Health Awareness Important? Inside your oral cavity (i.e. your mouth), there are bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of these are part of normal oral health while others can cause issues if you're not maintaining oral hygiene. For example, a high-carbohydrate diet can lead to the development of acid-producing bacteria. These bacteria then dissolve the tooth enamel. They can also lead to tooth decay. In another example, not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque buildup. Plaque can accumulate and move down the length of your tooth. If left to its own devices, it can cause inflammation in the gums and lead to gingivitis. Inflamed gums, then, can begin to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, pockets develop and fill with pus. This is known as periodontitis. Dental Health and Your Overall Health Dental health awareness is also important to your overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral health can affect everything from your self-esteem to your performance at work or in school. But it can also cause more serious health issues. In fact, research shows that a healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body. Poor dental hygiene can lead to heart disease, premature birth, low birth weight, and even endocarditis. How to Maintain Good Dental Hygiene Of course, the most important part of good dental hygiene is brushing and flossing. You should brush your teeth and tongue at least twice per day. Flossing only needs to be done once per day. But your diet also has to do with your oral health. Decrease the amount of sugar in your diet to prevent the buildup of bacteria and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Smoking and drinking alcohol can affect your oral hygiene, too. Of utmost importance is visiting your dentist at Westwood and Starwood Dental. You should be seeing your dentist at least twice every year for a check-up. When to Begin Dental Health Awareness Dental health awareness should start at a very early age. Your oral hygiene is a lifelong commitment and the earlier you learn good habits, the better. Children as young as five can begin to learn about dental health. You can teach children to brush their teeth twice per day, eat less sugar, and visit their dentist twice per year. Book An Appointment Dental health awareness is important for the maintenance of good oral hygiene. And good oral health can affect your overall health and well-being. For this reason, dental health awareness should begin at a very early age. Part of oral health is regularly visiting your dentist. If it's been more than six months, it's time to book an appointment with Westwood and Starwood Dental.