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Why is dental hygiene important

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You may not think much of brushing and flossing your teeth. For you, maybe it is an everyday ritual to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Or perhaps you are a little more lax in your flossing routine and only floss a couple times a week. Maybe you even skip a brushing session from time to time. What is the importance of these behaviors anyway?

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day are a collective set of behaviors known as dental hygiene. Another aspect of dental hygiene includes visiting your local dental office for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning every six months. Combined, these behaviors are extremely important to your oral and overall health.

This is because their main aim is to remove excess plaque from your mouth. Dental plaque is the clear film that accumulates on the surface of your teeth and contains naturally-occurring bacteria. If dental plaque is not regularly removed from the mouth, then it begins to accumulate and bacterial populations increase. When this happens, it can cause serious consequences to your oral and overall health.

Why Dental Hygiene is Important to Your Oral Health

Dental hygiene is important to your oral health because it reduces your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. When left untreated, both tooth decay and gum disease can have serious implications on your oral health. For starters, they can produce painful or visually unappealing symptoms. Not only that, but more severe cases can result in tooth loss, bone degeneration, and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.

Both of these oral health problems are caused by excess bacteria, either on the tooth enamel or around the gums. In reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth, dental hygiene reduces the likelihood of developing these issues. It also makes these issues easier to treat if they do happen to develop. In this way, you can think of dental hygiene as a way of preserving your natural teeth, facial structure, and bone mass.

Why Dental Hygiene is Important to Your Overall Health

While you may not realize this, dental hygiene is also important to your overall health. A lack of dental hygiene leads to an abundance of bacteria in your mouth. Even though bacteria from the mouth do not regularly enter the bloodstream, this can happen in an unhealthy mouth. If bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream, the infection can be transported to various other areas in the body.

While the specific relationship between poor oral health and the development of certain medical conditions is still being researched, studies have shown there is a possible connection between the two. Currently, research has found that poor oral health can contribute to the following health conditions:

Diabetes

Endocarditis

Pneumonia

Pregnancy Complications

Cardiovascular Disease

Overall, dental hygiene plays an important role not only in preserving your oral health, but preserving your overall health as well. Regular dental hygiene practices control bacterial populations in order to prevent oral health concerns, as well as the spread of infection to other parts of the body. For this reason, it is essential to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your local dental office at least once every six months.

Dr. Deborah TabbPatients at Bethesda Family Dentistry benefit from the knowledge and experience that only comes from a diverse team. From general dentistry to endodontic, periodontics, and cosmetic dental services, this Bethesda, MD clinic is ready to be the only source you need for all your oral health needs.

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Why Dental Hygiene is Important - Bethesda Family Dentistry

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Regular dental hygiene practices prevent oral health concerns, as well as the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

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Advancing the nation's oral health through research and innovation | National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

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Advancing the nation's oral health through research and innovation.

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why is dental hygiene important

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Dental Hygienist Cardiff | Birchgrove Dental

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Birchgrove Dental offers high-quality dental hygienist services in Cardiff to new and existing patients. Let our dental team enhance your dental hygiene.

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You may not think much of brushing and flossing your teeth. For you, maybe it is an everyday ritual to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Or perhaps you are a little more lax in your flossing routine and only floss a couple times a week. Maybe you even skip a brushing session from time to time. What is the importance of these behaviors anyway?

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day are a collective set of behaviors known as dental hygiene. Another aspect of dental hygiene includes visiting your local dental office for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning every six months. Combined, these behaviors are extremely important to your oral and overall health.

This is because their main aim is to remove excess plaque from your mouth. Dental plaque is the clear film that accumulates on the surface of your teeth and contains naturally-occurring bacteria. If dental plaque is not regularly removed from the mouth, then it begins to accumulate and bacterial populations increase. When this happens, it can cause serious consequences to your oral and overall health.

Why Dental Hygiene is Important to Your Oral Health

Dental hygiene is important to your oral health because it reduces your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. When left untreated, both tooth decay and gum disease can have serious implications on your oral health. For starters, they can produce painful or visually unappealing symptoms. Not only that, but more severe cases can result in tooth loss, bone degeneration, and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.

Both of these oral health problems are caused by excess bacteria, either on the tooth enamel or around the gums. In reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth, dental hygiene reduces the likelihood of developing these issues. It also makes these issues easier to treat if they do happen to develop. In this way, you can think of dental hygiene as a way of preserving your natural teeth, facial structure, and bone mass.

Why Dental Hygiene is Important to Your Overall Health

While you may not realize this, dental hygiene is also important to your overall health. A lack of dental hygiene leads to an abundance of bacteria in your mouth. Even though bacteria from the mouth do not regularly enter the bloodstream, this can happen in an unhealthy mouth. If bacteria are able to enter the bloodstream, the infection can be transported to various other areas in the body.

While the specific relationship between poor oral health and the development of certain medical conditions is still being researched, studies have shown there is a possible connection between the two. Currently, research has found that poor oral health can contribute to the following health conditions:

Diabetes

Endocarditis

Pneumonia

Pregnancy Complications

Cardiovascular Disease

Overall, dental hygiene plays an important role not only in preserving your oral health, but preserving your overall health as well. Regular dental hygiene practices control bacterial populations in order to prevent oral health concerns, as well as the spread of infection to other parts of the body. For this reason, it is essential to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit your local dental office at least once every six months.

Dr. Deborah TabbPatients at Bethesda Family Dentistry benefit from the knowledge and experience that only comes from a diverse team. From general dentistry to endodontic, periodontics, and cosmetic dental services, this Bethesda, MD clinic is ready to be the only source you need for all your oral health needs.

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Why Dental Hygiene is Important - Bethesda Family Dentistry

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You may not think much of brushing and flossing your teeth. For you, maybe it is an everyday ritual to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Or perhaps you are a little more lax in your flossing routine and only floss a couple times a week.

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Dental hygiene techniques

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Dental Tools and Techniques for Teeth Cleanings

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Feel comfortable at your next teeth cleaning by knowing what dental tools and techniques your dentist may use. Access our free guide here!

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Ten Dental Hygiene Tips For A More Thorough Clean

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Brushing your teeth every day doesn’t guarantee you’re giving your mouth all the attention it needs. Consider these dental hygiene tips to ensure it does.

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Dental hygiene techniques

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Dental Care of Lombard | We are devoted to providing our patients with the best possible dental care. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey to a beautiful smile.

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As a parent, we know you have so much on your plate already. We certainly don't want to add to it, but we do want to help improve the quality of life for you and your family! Oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing; the goal of family dentistry is to make oral hygiene enjoyable and simple so that people of all ages are more willing to take care of their smiles.

Why is this so important to us? Because we know that an unhealthy mouth can cause more health and problems throughout the body. Plus, people who are happy with their smiles are typically much more confident and happier in general.

Check out these five oral hygiene tips so mouth-health becomes a simple priority for your family.

1. Brush and floss properly

How, how long, and how often you brush and floss matters. There are specific techniques that enable us to clean our mouths more effectively so we can avoid issues like cavities and gum disease.

The proper brushing technique involves:

A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste

In a circular motion, scrub the front, back, and chewing surface of each tooth

Brush your tongue and roof

Rinse and spit

The entire brushing process should take at least two minutes and should be done two times per day.

Flossing should be done at least once a day, preferably in the evening. Simply take a string of floss or floss pick, run it down one side of a tooth and up the other. Be sure to reach all the way down to the gum line. When the floss gets dirty or frayed, switch it out!

2. Make it fun!

For kids (and many adults) oral hygiene is boring. One of the best ways to make this time enjoyable is to do these things together. Huddle up in the bathroom, put on some good music, and get to brushing! Our expert in family dentistry also recommends these tips:

Let your little one pick out his toothbrush, paste, and floss

Play a two-minute video for him to watch while brushing

Offer a reward for consistently brushing each week

3. Get the proper nutrients

What we put in our mouths is almost as important as brushing and flossing. Sugary foods and carbohydrates often create environments where disease-causing bacteria thrive, however, other foods can significantly improve oral health.

Eat more of these nutrients to improve your oral (and overall!) health:

To learn more about how these affect your oral health and what foods contain these vitamins, check out this blog.

4. Quit bad habits

It's no secret that smoking and chewing tobacco are incredibly bad for teeth and gums. Along with unattractive dental stains, using tobacco products increases a person's risk of gum disease and oral cancer.

Other bad habits that affect oral health include nail-biting, using teeth as tools, and chewing ice. We encourage patients of all ages to avoid these habits at all costs.

5. Visit the dentist regularly

Regular dental cleaning and exam visits are necessary for children and adults. Most dentists recommend attending these appointments every six months, and in some cases, even more often.

During these appointments, dentists check for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, then thoroughly rid the mouth of any tartar or lingering plaque. Regular dental visits are essential to the prevention of more serious oral health problems.

Family Dentistry in Lombard, IL

If you're searching for a great family dentist in Lombard, IL, look no further! With three children of her own, Dr. Julie Glud understands how overwhelming the dentist's office can be for patients of all ages. That's why she offers gentle dental care in a warm environment.

Schedule an initial consultation for your family today by calling (630) 629-5700.

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5 Oral Hygiene Tips for the Whole Family in Lombard | Dental Care of Lombard

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As a parent, we know you have so much on your plate already. We certainly don't want to add to it, but we do want to help improve the quality of life for you and your family!

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Ten Dental Hygiene Tips For A More Thorough Clean

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Brushing your teeth every day doesn’t guarantee you’re giving your mouth all the attention it needs. Consider these dental hygiene tips to ensure it does.

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The effects of food on dental Hygiene

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If you are what you eat, that's even more true for your teeth and gums. When you drink and eat starchy or sugary foods, you're not only feeding yourself. You're also feeding the germs (bacteria) that can cause tooth decay and gum disease in your mouth. Plaque is a thin, invisible, sticky film of bacteria and other materials. It covers all the surfaces of all your teeth. When sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque, acids form. These acids can attack your teeth for 20 minutes or longer after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel on the surface of teeth. This leads to tooth decay. The bacteria in plaque also triggers an inflammatory response. This causes the breakdown of the gums, bone, and other supporting structures of your teeth.

Some foods invite tooth decay. Other foods help fight plaque buildup. Here are some foods to seek out and some to stay away from.

The good guys

Some suggested foods:

Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods with fiber help keep your teeth and gums clean, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also get saliva flowing. Next to good home dental care, this is your best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. About 20 minutes after you eat something that has sugars or starches, your saliva begins to reduce the effects of the acids and enzymes attacking your teeth. Saliva contains traces of calcium and phosphate. So it also restores minerals to areas of teeth that have lost them from the bacterial acids.

Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products. Cheese is another saliva maker. The calcium and phosphates in milk, cheese, and other dairy products, help put back minerals your teeth might have lost due to other foods. They also help rebuild tooth enamel.

Green and black teas. These teas both contain polyphenols that interact with plaque bacteria. These substances either kill or hold back bacteria. This prevents bacteria from growing or making acid that attacks teeth. Depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, a cup of tea can also be a source of fluoride.

Sugarless chewing gum. This is another great saliva maker that removes food particles from your mouth.

Foods with fluoride. Fluoridated drinking water, or any product you make with fluoridated water, helps your teeth. This includes powdered juices (as long as they don't contain a lot of sugar) and dehydrated soups. Commercially prepared foods, such as poultry products, seafood, and powdered cereals, also can give fluoride.

The bad guys

Stay away from these:

Sticky candies and sweets. If you eat sweets, go for those that clear out of your mouth quickly. So thumbs down for lollipops, caramels, and cough drops that have refined sugar. The effects of chocolate on preventing cavities has been widely promoted (largely by studies funded by the candy industry). This has not been totally proven. But the ADA states that chocolate washes off the teeth more quickly than other candies. Dark chocolate (70% cacao) does have some health benefits. Some studies have shown chocolate is not as bad as other sugary treats.

Starchy foods that can get stuck in your mouth. Soft breads and potato chips, for instance, can get trapped between your teeth.

Carbonated soft drinks. These drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. They are loaded with sugar. And most soft drinks have phosphoric and citric acids that wear away tooth enamel.

Substances that dry out your mouth. These include alcohol and many medicines. If medicines are the cause, talk with your dental care provider about getting a fluoride rinse, or a fluoride gel for brushing your teeth.

Eat for a healthy mouth

The ADA offers these tips to help reduce the risk of tooth decay from the foods you eat:

Eat sugary foods with meals. Your mouth makes more saliva during meals. This helps to reduce the effect of acid production and to rinse pieces of food from the mouth.

Limit between-meal snacks. If you crave a snack, choose something nutritious. Think about chewing sugarless gum afterward to increase saliva flow and wash out food and acid.

Drink more water. Fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.

Brush your teeth twice a day.

Floss once a day.

Medical Reviewers:

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If you are what you eat, that's even more true for your teeth and gums. When you drink and eat starchy or sugary foods, you're not only feeding yourself. You're also feeding the germs (bacteria) that can cause tooth decay and gum disease in your mouth.

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How your diet affects your oral health: an infographic | Alexandra Dental Care - Dentist Burton & Ashby

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We look forward to keeping your smile healthy and sparkling so here’s some advice on how diet affects teeth and what to watch out for.

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What is Oral Health?

Good oral health and hygiene begin with clean teeth, proper dental care habits, and awareness of daily behaviors.

Brushing and flossing properly from a young age helps prevent oral diseases-such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer -as you age.

Nutrition, regular teeth cleanings, and your medical history also impact your oral health standing.

If you do not practice good oral hygiene, you are at a higher risk of developing serious oral conditions and diseases. These diseases include cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, bruxism-related conditions, cracked tooth syndrome, and more.

Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Your everyday lifestyle, general health status, and choices can positively or negatively impact your oral health standing.

Your diet and the amount of alcohol you drink weekly can influence how healthy your mouth is. Whether or not you use tobacco products also impacts your dental health.

Hormonal changes throughout life, such as during puberty and pregnancy, put you at a higher risk of developing serious oral conditions. Taking certain medications for health conditions (e.g. diabetes or cancer) or abusing drugs can also take a toll on your oral health.

Common risk factors associated with poor oral health include:

Heart disease - periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) is linked to higher rates of heart disease. Poor oral health increases the risk of a bacterial infection reaching the bloodstream, which can eventually spread to the heart valves.

Diabetes and stroke - untreated tooth decay puts you at an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. There is also a higher chance of a stroke occurring as you age.

Weakened immune system - poor dental health results in a weakened immune system, which makes you more prone to developing illnesses, infections, and diseases.

Nutrition and Your Oral Health

An unbalanced diet consisting of sugary foods, fast food, and other processed foods increases your risk of developing oral diseases over time.

Sugar plays a direct role in the development of cavities. This is because the bacteria in plaque use sugar as energy and then release acid as a "waste product." As a result, your enamel dissolves and cavities form.

Tooth decay progresses as you age, and the effects of sugar on the teeth are lifelong. In other words, eating unhealthy foods long-term results in more buildup of dental plaque and cavities. If left untreated, tooth loss and soft-tissue (gum) damage can also occur.

Studies show that there may be a way to minimize the risk of tooth decay if you limit added sugars to 5 percent of your total daily intake.

Natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products are not included in this percentage. Learn more about how your diet impacts your oral health.

Medications and Your Oral Health

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to uncomfortable and serious oral health conditions.

Chemotherapy can cause a variety of side effects. This includes-but is not limited to- dry mouth, cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, soft tissue reactions, mouth ulcers, and oral thrush.

Some medications (e.g., antidepressants and blood pressure medications) can cause dry mouth. This is a condition where the salivary glands in the mouth do not produce enough saliva.

Without proper saliva production, your mouth cannot rinse out bacteria effectively, which may result in cavities.
Learn more about which medications impact your dental health.
Alcohol Abuse and Your Oral Health

Long-term and excessive alcohol consumption negatively impacts your teeth and gums, which can result in serious dental conditions. These conditions include:

Enamel erosion

Dry mouth

Cavities

Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Periodontal disease

Mouth sores

Oral cancer

Other minor conditions that may develop due to alcohol abuse include tooth discoloration and bad breath.

Learn more about how alcohol abuse and addiction negatively affect your oral health.

Drug Abuse and Your Oral Health

Cavities and periodontal disease are more prevalent in drug addicts than in non-drug users. This is mainly due to the fact that addicts neglect regular dentist visits and therefore have more tartar (hardened plaque) on their teeth.

The long-term use of illegal drugs (e.g. amphetamines, cocaine, and opiates) also cause serious oral health complications. These conditions include:

In more severe cases, meth addicts can develop "meth mouth." This condition can result in rotten teeth, cracked teeth, permanent gum damage, and eventually tooth loss.

Learn more about how drugs can severely damage your oral health.

Tobacco Products and Your Oral Health

Tobacco and nicotine are harmful substances in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that is responsible for 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.

More than 16 million cigarette smokers suffer from smoking-related diseases, such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and lung cancer.

Long-term tobacco and nicotine users commonly suffer from minor and serious oral health conditions. This includes-but is not limited to-bad breath, dry mouth, tooth discoloration, cavities, oral cancer, and silent gum disease.

Teeth whitening can often reverse the effects of tooth discoloration.

Options include:

Learn more about how nicotine and tobacco can negatively impact your oral health.

Diabetes and Your Oral Health

Diabetes impacts all parts of your body, including the mouth. If you have high levels of glucose (sugar) in your saliva, harmful bacteria can grow faster. Over time, food particles and bacteria result in high levels of plaque (a sticky film that forms on teeth).

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to infections and pain affecting your teeth, gums, tongue, palate, jaw, cheeks, and/or the mouth's floor.

Learn which oral conditions commonly impact people with uncontrolled diabetes.

4 Easy Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

To reduce the chance of developing a minor or serious oral condition, staying on top of basic oral care practices is essential:

1. Brush Your Teeth

Brushing at least twice a day is one of the most important oral care habits because it keeps the teeth and mouth healthy. Using fluoride-based toothpaste also stimulates the gums, which helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

2. Floss Regularly

Brushing at least twice a day is Properly flossing teeth daily helps reduce the chance of cavities forming between teeth. Flossing removes plaque and food in places where toothbrushes can't reach. Establishing a normal routine reduces the chance of developing cavities and other oral conditions.

3. Drink Fluoridated Water

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in soil and rocks that helps prevent cavities. Over the last 70 years, small amounts of fluoride have been added to dental materials to help strengthen tooth enamel.

4. Go to the Dentist

Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams are essential for oral disease prevention. You should get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months.

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How Food Effects Your Dental Hygiene & Your Health

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Good oral health and hygiene begin with clean teeth, proper dental care habits, and awareness of daily behaviors. Brushing and flossing properly from a young age helps prevent oral diseases-such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer -as you age. Nutrition, regular teeth cleanings, and your medical history also impact your oral health standing.

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Consequences of poor dental hygiene

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While most people understand that poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease, many are unaware of how unhealthy teeth and gums can indirectly promote other medical problems throughout the body. If you haven't been prioritizing your oral health, here are some good reasons to start.
Protecting Your Overall Health
While most people associate bad dental hygiene with toothaches or unsightly stains, the effects can go much deeper. Researchers have drawn compelling links between bad oral health and serious medical issues, including:

1. Pregnancy issues: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

2. Diabetic complications: Periodontal disease can worsen symptoms of diabetes by making it more difficult for patients to control their blood sugar.

3. Endocarditis: A dangerous infection of the inner lining of your heart, endocarditis results when bacteria or other germs spread from other parts of your body - such as your mouth - through your bloodstream and attach to the heart.

As you can see, poor oral hygiene doesn't just result in simple toothaches. If you have cavities, periodontal disease, missing or rotten teeth, the effects on the body can be immense. This is why it's so important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. You should also schedule routine cleanings and examinations to catch small issues before they evolve into serious problems. This is especially true if you have diabetes or some other underlying health issue that could potentially worsen if your oral health is poor.

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10 Consequences of Poor Dental Hygiene and Unhealthy Teeth | Gentle Dental

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While most people understand that poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease, many are unaware of how unhealthy teeth and gums can indirectly promote other medical problems throughout the body. If you haven't been prioritizing your oral health, here are 10 good reasons to start.

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The Impact of Neglecting Dental Hygiene: Long-Term Consequences You Need to Know

With busy schedules and the temptation to prioritize things other than your oral health, it's easy to let dental hygiene slip through the cracks. But consistently ignoring basic practices like flossing, brushing twice a day, and getting regular checkups - can have some major long-term consequences you definitely don't want to ignore. In this post, we're exploring why proper dental hygiene isn't something you want to take lightly and all of the issues that arise when care gets neglected over time.

Not taking good care of your teeth can have a long-term effect on the health of your mouth and other body systems. In addition to cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, there are several other serious conditions that can be caused or exacerbated by poor dental hygiene. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even some forms of cancer.

Gum Disease: If plaque is not removed from teeth regularly it can harden into tartar which leads to inflammation of the gums known as periodontal (gum) disease. This dangerous condition not only affects the health of your gums but could lead to more serious medical issues such as heart disease or strokes due to systemic inflammation stemming from the oral bacteria.

Tooth Decay: Poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and eventual loss of teeth. Those with poor dental hygiene are more prone to developing cavities in the crevices between teeth, known as interproximal caries. These cavities may progress rapidly due to inadequate brushing, flossing, or professional dental care.

Oral Cancer: Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers such as tongue cancer and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene habits can help catch any irregularities that could be indicative of a potentially dangerous condition early on before it progresses further into something more serious.

Bad Breath: Poor oral hygiene can lead to an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth due to the presence of bacteria and food particles that have been left in the mouth for some time without being cleaned properly. This can be embarrassing during social situations and could even lead to psychological distress in certain individuals.

All of these long-term consequences of poor dental hygiene should be taken seriously, as they can have a lasting impact on the health of your teeth, gums, and other body systems. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating healthy foods, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol excessively if you want to ensure optimal dental and overall health. Taking the time to develop and maintain good oral hygiene habits can help you avoid the long-term consequences of poor dental hygiene, so make sure to take care of your teeth and gums today!

Good oral hygiene is essential for achieving and maintaining optimal overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help protect you from a wide range of serious conditions, so ensure that you are following proper dental hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. Doing so could make all the difference when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy! If you are interested in our preventative dentistry services, don't hesitate to us today and schedule an appointment. At Herndon Dental Arts, we are focused and dedicated to delivering dental excellence to our patients with the most gentle and comfortable care possible.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Impact of Neglecting Dental Hygiene: Long-Term Consequences You Need to Know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With busy schedules and the temptation to prioritize things other than your oral health, it's easy to let dental hygiene slip through the cracks. But consistently ignoring basic practices like flossing, brushing twice a day, and getting regular checkups - can have some major long-term consequences you definitely don't want to ignore.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Impact of Neglecting Dental Hygiene: Long-Term Consequences You Need to Know

With busy schedules and the temptation to prioritize things other than your oral health, it's easy to let dental hygiene slip through the cracks. But consistently ignoring basic practices like flossing, brushing twice a day, and getting regular checkups - can have some major long-term consequences you definitely don't want to ignore. In this post, we're exploring why proper dental hygiene isn't something you want to take lightly and all of the issues that arise when care gets neglected over time.

Not taking good care of your teeth can have a long-term effect on the health of your mouth and other body systems. In addition to cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, there are several other serious conditions that can be caused or exacerbated by poor dental hygiene. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory issues, and even some forms of cancer.

Gum Disease: If plaque is not removed from teeth regularly it can harden into tartar which leads to inflammation of the gums known as periodontal (gum) disease. This dangerous condition not only affects the health of your gums but could lead to more serious medical issues such as heart disease or strokes due to systemic inflammation stemming from the oral bacteria.

Tooth Decay: Poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and eventual loss of teeth. Those with poor dental hygiene are more prone to developing cavities in the crevices between teeth, known as interproximal caries. These cavities may progress rapidly due to inadequate brushing, flossing, or professional dental care.

Oral Cancer: Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers such as tongue cancer and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene habits can help catch any irregularities that could be indicative of a potentially dangerous condition early on before it progresses further into something more serious.

Bad Breath: Poor oral hygiene can lead to an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth due to the presence of bacteria and food particles that have been left in the mouth for some time without being cleaned properly. This can be embarrassing during social situations and could even lead to psychological distress in certain individuals.

All of these long-term consequences of poor dental hygiene should be taken seriously, as they can have a lasting impact on the health of your teeth, gums, and other body systems. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating healthy foods, visiting your dentist regularly, and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol excessively if you want to ensure optimal dental and overall health. Taking the time to develop and maintain good oral hygiene habits can help you avoid the long-term consequences of poor dental hygiene, so make sure to take care of your teeth and gums today!

Good oral hygiene is essential for achieving and maintaining optimal overall health. Taking care of your teeth and gums can help protect you from a wide range of serious conditions, so ensure that you are following proper dental hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. Doing so could make all the difference when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy! If you are interested in our preventative dentistry services, don't hesitate to us today and schedule an appointment. At Herndon Dental Arts, we are focused and dedicated to delivering dental excellence to our patients with the most gentle and comfortable care possible.

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The Impact of Neglecting Dental Hygiene: Long-Term Consequences You Need to Know

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With busy schedules and the temptation to prioritize things other than your oral health, it's easy to let dental hygiene slip through the cracks. But consistently ignoring basic practices like flossing, brushing twice a day, and getting regular checkups - can have some major long-term consequences you definitely don't want to ignore.

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Grand Rapids Family Dentist, Great Lakes Dental Care

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Grand Rapids Dentists | Family & Cosmetic Dentistry | Great Lakes Dental Care | Grand Rapids Dental Services | West Michigan Dentist | Preventative, Cosmetic, Restorative and Specialty Dental Services

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Grand Rapids Dentists Providing Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Grand Rapids Michigan by Dentists, Dr. Dennis Webb, Dr. Travis Kragt, Dr. Sarah De Zwaan, Dr. Drew De Zwaan, Dr. Brenden Carey, Dr. Alex Krupiak, and Dr. Jordan Spavor, Great Lakes Dental Care.