Why go to the dentist? Why brush your teeth? Maybe your parents told you your teeth would fall out if you didn’t! They’re not entirely wrong, but there’s more to it than that.
Your oral health plays an integral role in the health of your whole body. Taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth can help keep the rest of your body healthy too.
When Your Teeth Are Healthy, so Are You!
Bacteria are a necessary part of life. They help us in many of our body’s natural processes:
- Digestion.
- Immune response.
- Breaking down food in the mouth.
However, bacteria can sometimes cause problems with our health too, especially in the mouth. When we eat food, it mixes with the bacteria and saliva in our mouths, creating a sticky substance called plaque.
This plaque can break down teeth and cause infections which can spread to other parts of the body. That’s why keeping your teeth clean is so important!
Common Health Conditions Associated With Oral Health:
- Gum Disease. Caused by a bacterial infection in the gums, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body.
- Diabetes. While not usually directly caused by oral conditions, diabetes does correlate with gum disease and sleep apnea.
- Heart Disease. Can be directly caused by gum disease and other oral infections that spread bacteria throughout the body.
Keeping your teeth healthy can help you avoid some of these issues, setting you up for a happier, healthier life!
How To Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Healthy teeth are just around the corner! Follow these simple steps and you can enjoy healthy teeth and a healthy body:
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Sugary foods can attract more bacteria, which cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Brush Your Teeth: You should brush your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth free from harmful bacteria.
- Floss Daily: Flossing keeps bacteria away from your gums and keeps them red and healthy.
- Visit the Dentist: You should go to the dentist every six months to make sure you have no issues with your teeth.
How Can a Dentist Help?
Dentists have extensive training to identify potential problems in your mouth. During a standard exam and cleaning appointment, the dentist will check for the following:
- Dark spots on your teeth.
- Red or white patches on your gums or tongue.
- Abscesses or swelling.
- Areas of the mouth that could present a problem in the future.
Being aware of these issues early gives you the chance to treat them before they progress.
The other part of a standard appointment is a cleaning. The dental hygienist will clean your teeth with special tools, then they will polish them using professional toothpaste, and they’ll finish by flossing between your teeth.
This professional cleaning goes hand in hand with your at-home dental hygiene routine to promote a healthy mouth.
Vibrant Dental Is Committed to Your Health and Happiness
Feeling comfortable with your dentist is such a huge part of maintaining a healthy smile. Vibrant Dental understands that going to the dentist is not easy for everyone, no matter how badly they want healthy teeth.
Our priority is to keep our patients happy and healthy. To do that, we offer a wide range of general dentistry services in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Our dentists are friendly and compassionate–they care about their patients and want to set them up for success.
Keep Your Smile Healthy | Schedule Today
Going to the dentist is an important part of keeping your teeth and your body healthy. To schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning and exam, contact Vibrant Dental today.