Have you ever wondered what benefits you really get by taking good care of your teeth? Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we wanted to highlight some of the benefits you can expect by practicing good oral care routines throughout your life.
- You avoid cavities.
Cavities appear on the hard surfaces of your teeth and look like tiny holes. Because they are slow to develop, you likely don’t notice anything. However, if a cavity continues to develop, it can cause complications such as severe dental damage, tooth decay, and even potential tooth loss.
By brushing and flossing regularly, you get rid of the harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar that lead to cavities.
- You prevent gum disease.
Gum disease is a sneaky infection that only becomes noticeable to you in the advanced stages. Neglecting the health of your gums and ignoring signs you have this disease can increase your risk for stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Also, advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss as well.
Your good oral hygiene routine keeps this complicated oral health issue at bay. Plus, since we can see the signs of an infection before it worsens, by visiting us regularly you can eliminate the disease before it progresses.
- You may reduce your sugar intake.
While there’s no official science to back it up, people often report that they are far less likely to indulge in sweets if they brush their teeth after a meal. Or if you only want a little bit of a sweet treat, brushing right after can prevent you from overdoing it.
- You get a boost in confidence.
Keeping your smile healthy is a great way to feel good about yourself. You enjoy smiling without worrying about the way your teeth and gums look to others.
Plus, by visiting us regularly for your dental checkup, you stay on top of oral health issues before they become problematic. You can also talk to us about any cosmetic improvements you’d like to make to your teeth.
- Your overall health is protected too.
When you neglect your dental health, it increases the bacteria in your mouth and puts you at risk for all sorts of potential health risks. You are more at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues. If you struggle with habits like teeth grinding, if ignored you can damage your smile.
However, when you take the necessary steps to protect your teeth and gums with good oral care practices at home and biannual dental visits, your body is helped, and your smile too.
Haven’t been to the dentist in a while? Call Drs. Yung & Jelinek today at 540-386-1943 to schedule an appointment in Warrenton, VA.
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