Health Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Chances are that the basics of oral hygiene have been on your radar since you first got a toothbrush as a child. Like every other part of your body, your mouth is filled with bacteria, most of which are completely harmless or even essential to your general health. However, because your mouth is the entry point to your respiratory and digestive tracts, too much bad bacteria can negatively impact your overall health.

Good oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent gum disease (which is present in about half of adults aged 30 and over) and can cause loose teeth, bleeding and infected gums, and pain when chewing. While this alone is unpleasant, research shows that the inflammation caused by gum disease is connected to a variety of diseases, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type II diabetes.

As intimidating as gum disease and its associated conditions sound, the good news is that diligently brushing and flossing daily, along with regular visits to the dentist, is generally enough to keep the bad bacteria under control.

10 Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

1. Fresher breath
2. Healthier pregnancy
3. Reduced risk of stroke
4. Reduced tooth sensitivity
5. Lowered risk of tooth decay
6. Reduced likelihood of cavities
7. Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease
8. Reduced risk of certain types of cancer
9. Lowered risk of side effects of Type II diabetes
10. Lowered risk of heart disease or heart attack

How to Protect Your Oral Health

To protect your oral health, good oral hygiene should be part of your daily routine.

• Avoid tobacco use
• Floss at least once daily
• Eat a healthy diet with limited added sugars
• Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
• Replace your toothbrush at least every 12 weeks or sooner if the bristles become worn or splayed

How Regular Dental Check-Ups Support Overall Health

Regularly scheduled visits with your dentist do not just keep your teeth and gums healthy, it can be an essential part of preventing serious health problems. Ideally, you should visit your dentist every six months. During these visits, dental professionals thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, removing harmful tartar, plaque and bacteria that can cause serious health problems. Your dentist also checks your tongue, throat, and neck for swelling and other signs that a serious health condition may be present. This basic screening can provide early indications of disease and help you proactively pursue treatment before significant complications arise.

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According to a paper published by the Dental Trade Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the importance of dental care, your oral health has a profound impact on the health of your entire body. This report outlines the correlation between getting treatment for periodontal disease (gum disease) and reducing health care costs. According to this research, routine dental care can cut down on, or even eliminate, the need for expensive health care services.

Below is a list of health services where money can be saved:

• Routine oral cancer screenings could save up to $495 million
• Periodontal care during pregnancy could save up to $7 billion annually
• Dental sealants could save up to $101 million in annual health spending
• Proactively addressing tooth decay could save $826 million in emergency care
• If 60% of those with diabetes obtained regular dental services, annual savings could be as high as $39 billion!
• If half of those with pneumonia who relied on ventilators received regular oral care, annual savings could be $5 billion​