When it comes to maintaining holistic health and wellness, discussions often reach diet, exercise, and maybe meditation and mental health. While important, such discussions simply miss out on the most important contributor to overall health – dental health! Various perspectives simply expect teeth and gums to remain healthy by brushing once or twice or as a consequence of a healthy diet. Such an approach ignores how intricate the dental system actually is!
Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just lead to dental issues, but concerns that stand to affect the entire body. According to an expert dental practice in Southfield, it’s not uncommon for residents to visit a general practitioner citing concerns like pain or bad breath, only to be recommended to a dental expert. Careful inspection identifies a host of concerns – from plaque buildup to early signs of gum disease.
It’s absolutely essential to maintain dental hygiene. Luckily, the process is not difficult. To elaborate on the larger context, here’s what happens when you ignore dental health…
Risks of Bad Oral Hygiene
An early warning sign of things going wrong is bad breath. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque and food particles in the mouth. Dental bacteria find this to be quite a feast, leading to more bacteria and consequently, unpleasant odors. An increase in bacteria may lead to holes in teeth – cavities. This happens due to increased bacteria now eroding the tooth enamel. It’s quite a painful experience and may even lead to tooth loss. However, the worst is yet to come. Periodontal Gum Disease is marked by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This leads to overall gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.
How Dentists Can Assist?
Regular Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. Dentists recommend visiting at least twice a year for professional cleanings and exams. During these visits, experts remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss. They also examine your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Dental X-Rays for Deeper Diagnostics
Dental X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that allows dentists to see beyond the surface of your teeth and gums. They can identify issues that are not visible during a regular exam, such as impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors, and bone loss.
Home Care Habits
Dentists play a crucial role in educating patients about proper home care habits. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using mouthwash are fundamental practices. Dentists can also provide personalized advice based on your specific needs, such as recommending specific types of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other dental products.
Your oral health stands to impact much more than your teeth. For instance, research has consistently found a link between Periodontal Gum Disease and Heart Disease. This happens as the bacteria impacting gums makes their way into arteries, clogging them up and increasing the chance of stronger heart attacks. As such, any discussion of holistic health must start and end with oral health! Teeth are much more than an aesthetic device. They decide how effectively you chew your food, and consequently, how much stress the digestive system takes on to digest it.
Remember, healthy dental habits themselves can go a long way in maintaining oral health. Brushing twice a day, mouthwashing after meals, and flossing are simple activities that can have an amazing long-term benefit. The more steps you take to reduce bacteria in the mouth, the better. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this process! Simply consult a local dental expert to get all the information and guidance you need!
