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Nobody wants to have receding gums, bad breath, or yellow teeth. But there’s more to oral hygiene than appearances. Yes, we all want pretty white smiles; but maintaining proper oral health is also essential to our overall health. The health of our mouths is closely connected to the health of our bodies, and our Temecula dentists would like to impart the importance of oral hygiene.

Mouth and Body, Together as One

Research has shown that gum disease can lead to more serious problems than tooth loss and a less-than-esthetically-pleasing smile. People with gum disease, also called periodontal disease, are more likely to suffer from other inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Poor oral hygiene also puts you at risk for the following complications:

  • Stroke—bacteria in the mouth may bind with plaques in the arteries of the brain and form clots, causing a stroke.
  • Heart attack—much like with stroke, oral bacteria may bind with plaques in the arteries leading to the heart and cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Oral Health Problems

Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can cause several oral problems, including gum disease and tooth decay.

Gum disease—Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be reversed if it is caught early. If allowed to progress, however, gingivitis can develop into full-blown periodontitis. This more serious form of gum disease can lead to loss of gum tissue and teeth.

Tooth decay—Tooth decay occurs when bacteria form a sticky film on the teeth and gums called plaque and reacts with the sugars in the foods we eat to create acids. These acids eat away at the protective enamel on teeth and cause tooth decay.

At-home Oral Care

Proper oral hygiene starts at home. It only takes a few minutes each day to safeguard yourself against a host of oral health problems and more serious total health complications.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss once a day
  • Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to help fight plaque

Schedule an Appointment

Now that you know the importance of proper oral hygiene, you should know that at-home care alone isn’t enough. You should schedule cleanings and checkups at Oasis Family Dental every six months to ensure your oral health. To schedule an appointment with one of our Temecula dentists, call us at (951) 695-2290.