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The Importance of Oral Hygiene and Things You Can Do
Oral hygiene is extremely important if you want to live a pain-free life, but why? Learn all about the importance of oral hygiene in this guide.
We've all heard time and again from our dentist that we need to brush and floss every single day. While not everyone may heed that advice, there are plenty of good reasons why we should.
Good oral hygiene helps support overall physical health as well. Did you know that some studies attribute poor oral health to poor heart health? This doesn't mean you should be worried if you haven't been flossing.
Rather than having to comb through online searches like 'dentist in Hollywood, FL' or 'help with oral care' for help with oral hygiene, look no further. In this article, we'll go over why oral hygiene is important for living a pain-free life and some of the steps you can take to keep your oral hygiene on track.
Why Dental Health Is Important
Clean teeth and good dental habits will go a long way in keeping your mouth healthy for years to come. The prevention of oral diseases is of utmost importance as we get older. Poor dental hygiene can lead to dental problems like:
- Periodontal disease
- Bruxism
- Cracked teeth
- Cavities
- Gingivitis
Some of these can lead to more severe health problems like TMJ discomfort, heart disease, and respiratory problems. So how do brushing and flossing help?
Brush It Off
Our mouths are host to millions of bacteria, both good and bad. Some good bacteria exist to inhibit the formation of plaque, freshen breath, and fight off harmful bacteria.
When it comes to the bad bacteria, if proper hygiene steps aren't taken, the bad bacteria tend to overcome the good. The build-up of bad bacteria is what leads to dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Brushing for two minutes, twice per day helps remove plaque and keep harmful bacteria at bay. Keep in mind that brushing too vigorously can also harm your gums and enamel. Be thorough but be sure to brush in small, gentle circles.
Additional Steps
How else can you be sure to practice good dental hygiene? Additional steps include:
- Use a mouthwash after brushing
- Limit sugar intake
- Replace your toothbrush every few months
- Get regular dental cleanings
- Avoid the use of tobacco
Don't Forget to Floss
The crucial step that so many tend to overlook...flossing. Flossing helps remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles that we're unable to reach with a toothbrush. Thorough and consistent flossing will get rid of that nasty plaque and bacteria, and leave those pearly whites shining.
Removing stuck food particles and plaque not only prevents tooth decay but helps prevent bad breath as well! You can breathe easier knowing that flossing will help reach those hard-to-clean places
Don't Forget to Visit Your Dentist
Regular visits with your dentist are of utmost importance when it comes to the overall health of your mouth. Regular cleanings are the main part of your visit. However, regular check-ups also include thorough evaluations by your dentist.
Your hygienist and dentist alike will be looking for signs of:
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Cancer
- Shifting teeth
If you're feeling any pain or discomfort, be sure to note it with your dentist prior to arriving. They will be able to get to the root of what is causing said pain and administer a treatment plan accordingly.
Tooth Sensitivity
When tooth decay starts to set in, you want to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Postponing or skipping out on your regular dental visits can lead to a need for more serious work in the future. What happens if tooth pain or discomfort gets left unaddressed?
In general, you'll notice when a cavity begins to get worse. Your body will warn you there's an issue by alerting you with tooth sensitivity. The next time you go for an ice-cold glass of water, you might feel some pain when all you want is to feel refreshed. Over time, this pain will only worsen if not properly addressed and treated.
If the bacteria from a cavity is left too long, it can result in an abscess or even lead to an infection located in the nerve of the tooth. At this stage, a root canal may be suggested in lieu of full tooth extraction. However, you can avoid an extraction by visiting your dentist regularly. They will be able to treat the cavity before it becomes a serious issue.
Other Pain Points
When it comes to cavities, any sharp, temporary pains in the tooth typically result from worn-down enamel. Other causes of tooth or mouth pain might come from:
- Exposed roots
- Cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Worn down fillings
- Gum disease
Your dentist will be able to identify the source of your pain before suggesting a proper course of treatment. Treatment options range from mild fluoride application to more advanced treatments like
laser gum therapy.
Ready to Visit Your Dentist in Hollywood, FL?
From regular dental visits to flossing every day, there are a few steps you can take to enjoy a pain-free, oral health journey.
Your dentist in Hollywood, FL will be able to provide you with a full picture of your overall oral health at your next visit. If you find yourself experiencing tooth or mouth pain, don't hesitate to schedule your next visit with Smile On Us Dental.
No need to search online for 'Dentist Hollywood, FL' to see what treatment options are available to you. To learn more about the services we offer, simply visit our homepage or
contact us here to set up an appointment today!
