It’s New Year’s Day and if you haven’t included better oral health on your resolution list, you could be asking for trouble. Of course, brushing twice and flossing once each day will improve your chances when it comes to tooth decay and other dental problems, but if you aren’t seeing your dentist twice a year, even more so if you are prone to cavities, your teeth and gums could be suffering.
According to the American Dental Association, oral hygiene is the number one reason people suffer from dental carries. About 50% of Americans do not floss every day, even worse is that men, women and children may only brush once a day, if at all.
Because your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, it is imperative that you practice good oral hygiene.
Flossing is just as important as brushing as it removes food particles that can cause dangerous bacteria to form. Flossing gets rid of plaque that you are unable to remove with your toothbrush.
If you are one of those people who refuse to floss, you could be putting your overall health in jeopardy.
Bleeding gums is a sure sign that you are suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease. If your gums bleed when you eat, floss or brush, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Tartar occurs when plaque has not been properly removed. Tartar is a hard substance that can only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.
If people turn the other way when you speak, you could have chronic halitosis. Neglecting flossing could be to blame for your bad breath. Leftover food particles from last week’s dinner are not particle pleasant on the nose.
Because gingivitis and periodontal disease cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, pockets will eventually form allowing even more bacteria to grow. The bacteria will weaken the structure of your tooth leading to premature tooth loss.
Bacteria that are left to its own devices will also cause yellow teeth and tooth decay. When you remove the bacteria and plaque from between your teeth, your smile will appear cleaner and brighter. If you do not brush or floss regularly, you are not able to remove the bacteria, which will lay undisturbed leading to dental caries.
When it comes to oral hygiene, there are three things you need to remember, brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. Schedule your appointment today.