We’re sure we’re all guilty of skipping a day of flossing or missing a dental check-up. Nobody’s perfect after all. While these occasional slip-ups are ok, it is important to make dental care a regular part of your schedule. Oral health is integral to your overall health and wellbeing. Having poor oral health has been linked to other health issues in the body, as well as tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why it is so important not to neglect your oral health.
Here at Beaches Dental Mona Vale, we are passionate about good oral health, and we have helped many patients on their dental journey. In this article, we will discuss some reasons why you should not neglect your oral health.
Long Term Health
Prevention is key when it comes to most health concerns, and oral health is no different. When we think about the consequences of poor oral health we may only think of problems in the mouth. Poor oral health, however, has been linked to issues throughout the whole body. These include cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, pregnancy complications and more. It’s not surprising as the mouth is the entry point to the whole body. If you keep on top of your oral health now, then you may be saving yourself from health issues down the track.
Some key ways to maintain good oral health are:
· Twice daily brushing with a soft toothbrush
· Daily flossing
· Using a fluoride-based toothpaste
· Regular dental check-ups and cleaning
Saving Money
It is generally more cost-effective to maintain good oral health, rather than face the consequences of neglecting it. Going through major treatments as a result of oral health neglect can be extremely expensive. Some common side effects of poor oral health include decay and infection of the teeth. These issues can become very expensive to treat and can be prevented. Doing the simple steps suggested above are just some of the ways you can increase your chance of avoiding dental problems.
Feeling Good
When we live with pain or feel embarrassed about the state of our teeth our mental health can suffer. Keeping on top of your oral health can help you feel better about your teeth and can improve your mood.
If you feel happy and proud to show off your smile it will radiate into your mood. Smiling is so good for the body, this small physical activity has been shown to lift one’s mood. We want everyone to feel good both physically and mentally. This is why it is so important not to neglect your oral health.
Cosmetic Reasons
We all have a little touch of vanity in us- it’s normal. When you look good you feel good. Having a beautiful sparkly smile can make you feel good. If you maintain good oral health your teeth can look better and healthier. It also makes some dental treatments such as teeth whitening more effective.
If you are brushing regularly, watching the foods you eat and living a balanced lifestyle your teeth will show it. They will be cleaner, brighter and less prone to problems.
Overall Health
As mentioned earlier neglecting your oral health can lead to diseases or issues in the rest of the body. If you maintain good oral health your body will thank you. Neglecting your oral health can also be extremely painful, tooth pain can affect your eating, drinking and mood. If you keep up a good oral health routine it will help reduce your risk of bigger dental problems in the future. You’ll feel better and your overall health will be better too.
Wrapping Up
Having good oral health will help your body in more ways than one. Good brushing and flossing habits are the first steps in maintaining good dental care. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for a check-up and professional clean.
Feeling happy with your teeth can lead to improved mood and overall well being. This is why it is so important not to neglect your oral health. If you have any questions regarding your teeth or gums or would like to come in to discuss your oral health concerns, please give us a call.
