Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning are all crucial components of keeping your oral health in pristine condition. But what happens if a few too many lazy mornings or late nights cause you to skip your dental care routine? While your teeth may be the first to show the negative effects, your general health may be in danger of some serious concerns. Read on to learn the conditions linked to poor dental hygiene, at-home prevention tactics, and how your dentist in Phoenix can help!
8 Health Issues Linked to Poor Oral Health
Your mouth is the entryway to your body and is in close proximity to your brain. Unfortunately, this means harmful bacteria associated with tooth infections and gum disease can quickly wreak havoc on your entire system. By simply traveling throughout your body via your bloodstream, poor oral health can lead to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Respiratory infections
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy complications
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Cancer
7 Effective At-Home Prevention Tactics
The good news is that a consistent oral hygiene routine can keep your oral health in tip-top shape, thereby preventing the above conditions from developing. If you haven’t already, make sure to:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day (or after every meal, if possible)
- Floss daily
- Use mouthwash regularly
- Always clean your tongue
- Limit sugary foods and beverages, like soda and candy
- Drink lots of water
- Eat a vitamin-rich diet
How Your Dental Team Can Help
A solid at-home dental care regimen is crucial to good oral health, but it isn’t complete without biannual checkups and cleanings with your dentist. After all, these appointments allow them to catch tooth decay in the early stages, detect non-dental concerns (like oral cancer), remove caked-on plaque, clean every nook and cranny of your mouth – the list goes on! Plus, your routine visits give you a valuable opportunity to ask your dental team directly about what you can do to keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition between visits. That way, you have all the right products and techniques you need to do your part.
When your schedule gets crazy or your bed is calling your name at the end of a long day, it can be oh-so-tempting to let your brushing and flossing routine fall to the side. However, it is of the utmost importance that you remember just how important your dental care regimen is for your oral and general health!
About the Practice
At Smile Fitness Dental Center, patients (and their smiles) can enjoy a team of talented, knowledgeable dentists, a comprehensive array of services, and a patient-centered approach to care. Over the last 30+ years, we have helped countless patients achieve and maintain pristine oral health, and we look forward to doing the same for you! Just visit our website or give us a call at 623-849-0477 to schedule your appointment.