Since your first visit to the dentist as a young child, the importance of good dental hygiene has been reiterated by many dentists. This is because good dental hygiene is important for your mouth and your body! Maintaining a healthy dental routine is crucial for your teeth and could lower the risk of many diseases.  A great dental routine not only protects your teeth but benefits your health as a whole. Here are seven benefits from maintaining good oral hygiene:

• Reduce the risk of gum disease

Gum disease (periodontal) is the result of inflammation and infections on the gums and bones which support your teeth. Brushing and flossing daily can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that around 47% of adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease.  Brushing and flossing consistently help fight the bacteria that accumulate throughout the day. This bacteria can develop into plaque which will trigger inflammation in your gums.

• Reduce the chance of tooth decay and the likelihood of cavities

This is one of the most obvious benefits of a healthy dental routine. It’s the basic prevention for cavities because it will help neutralize the bacteria in your mouth. Maintaining a consistent routine will help prevent tooth decay which tends to develop into cavities. 

• Fresher breath

The same bacteria that can develop into plaque or worse, periodontal disease, is also responsible for your bad breath. Brushing and flossing is an inexpensive way to clean your teeth and freshen your breath. 

•  Keeps your teeth white

Many people worry about the color of their teeth or the stains but maintaining a good dental routine can help brush off some stains or discolorations. Whitening strips are becoming more popular but simply brushing with a tooth-whitening fluoride toothpaste can help wash off debris and surface stains.

•  Reduce the risk of diabetes

 Type 2 diabetes can be greatly reduced when you have a great dental hygiene routine because you are also preventing periodontal disease.  Gum disease causes inflammation on your gums which will make it harder for your body to produce insulin, also known as insulin resistance. People with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than people with a consistent dental hygiene routine.  

•  Lower dental expense

The cost of cavity fillings, removing teeth, or even dental implants can be expensive. The cheapest and easiest way to fight against the bacteria is by brushing and flossing. Maintaining good oral hygiene can save you thousands of dollars. Make sure to visit your dentist for your routine checkups.

• Reduce the risk of root canals and oral surgery

A good dental hygiene routine will help remove debris and bacteria which would otherwise turn into plaque. This plaque removal benefits your dental health because it reduces the risk of tooth decay and future periodontal disease. Root canals could be necessary for a severely decayed tooth due to poor dental health.

Good oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of our health and we should treat it as such. It can reduce the risk of future diseases, save you money and maintain your smile. Remember a good dental routine consists of brushing two times a day and flossing at least once a day.

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