Better Dental Health Habits = Better, Healthier Life

Did you know that developing better dental health habits actually contributes to a better, healthier life in general? Many people do not realize that poor dental hygiene not only affects your teeth and mouth but has the capacity to cause or contribute to other serious (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions. When you neglect to take care of your dental health, the rest of your body suffers as well. 

On the contrary, when you diligently take care of your dental health, you may find that your body feels better overall. It is wise to develop these better dental health habits early on, to prevent as many health problems as you can and to keep your teeth looking white and bright and healthy for as long as possible. Curious what health conditions are affected by the care (or lack thereof) that you put into your teeth, and what dental health habits you should get to work on? Let’s check it out! 

Oral Hygiene & Health Conditions

As we have already mentioned, there are some very serious health conditions that can result from or be exacerbated by poor dental health care. The importance of better dental health habits is really exemplified by these, and they make for a pretty compelling argument as to why you should be invested in your oral hygiene. 

One of the most serious and notable conditions that can be related to dental health care is heart disease. Failing to take care of your teeth can put you at a higher risk of developing heart disease. You also have a greater chance of developing endocarditis. Another health condition linked to the quality of care you put into your teeth is dementia, brain cell death, and permanent brain damage. Respiratory illnesses and diabetes are also much more likely to be observed in individuals who lack quality dental health care. In addition, poor oral hygiene makes you up to 4 times more prone to experiencing rheumatoid arthritis. 

All of these health conditions are on top of what you experience within your mouth as well. While the importance of better dental health habits extends far beyond your teeth and gums, there is obviously a detrimental effect that poor oral hygiene has on your mouth. Gingivitis, halitosis, gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and more are all unpleasant side effects of failing to dedicate time to proper dental health care. 

Better Dental Health Habits

Now that we have gone over some of the results of not taking good care of your teeth, it seems like a good time to talk about what these suggested dental health care habits are! While most of these may seem like common sense, they can be easily forgotten or looked over, or simply disregarded as not that important. 

Take flossing, for example. We all know that it is important to our dental health care. However, do you understand just how important it is to your oral hygiene routine and the rest of your health in general? Brushing your teeth can only realistically reach three out of the five surfaces that make up your tooth. Without flossing on a regular basis, you are leaving a large portion of your teeth uncleaned, gathering plaque and bits of food and more, increasing the likelihood of experiencing cavities and tooth decay. 

If brushing only gets three out of five surfaces, do you still need to do it? Yes. While they may not reach every corner and crevice, there is a reason that toothbrushes are still in use in addition to flossing. Often, a multi-faceted approach to dental health care is the most effective. 

Lastly, develop the habit of seeing your dentist regularly. Find a dentist that can also take care of the entire family, from infants to teens and everything in between. We might be biased, but we have heard some pretty great things about Falcon Dental Care! This array of relevant experience will be remarkably beneficial in all your future endeavors. 

While you diligently follow the better dental health habits we have listed, you may notice yourself feeling better as a whole. This does not mean that you don’t need to keep up with your appointments, however. Be sure to contact us to get your next appointment scheduled today!