Exploring Links Between Oral Hygiene And General Health

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By Wright Smiles

Smart behaviors help us remain healthy, protect us from infections, and manage the accumulation of harmful microbes. It should be noted that dental hygiene is an important part of your overall hygiene efforts, one that can protect you against worrying problems. You should be brushing your teeth at least two times a day, and flossing at least one. With that said, you may have some questions about how thorough you should be each time you clean your smile, and how much these habits really do to protect you. Just as your Southlake, TX dentist is able to help you remain protected against oral health threats by providing preventive dental care, you can take important steps to avoid troubles each day by fighting bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other concerns.

How Important Is A Reliable Oral Hygiene Routine?

With a reliable oral hygiene routine, you can stop plaque and tartar buildup, lower your risk for cavities, and prevent gum disease. These routines are also being seen as an important practice for maintaining your general well-being. Ongoing research is exploring the oral-systemic link, or the link between your oral and overall health. By protecting your smile against oral bacteria, you can lower your risk for certain harmful conditions, and may protect yourself against complications from any health troubles you already experience.

Gum Disease And Your Overall Health

Gum disease is an oral health matter that deserves your attention. When an infection first takes hold, the condition is referred to as gingivitis. When a person first starts to show signs of gingivitis, they may find that their gums bleed more easily when cleaning their teeth. They can also be affected by chronic bad breath, tissue swelling, and even some discoloration. In the longer term, a condition that is not managed can actually destroy the tissues supporting teeth, which can cause tooth loss. It is also possible for bacteria attacking your periodontal tissues to travel to different parts of your body. A person with this condition may be vulnerable to endocarditis, a heart condition that can have serious consequences.

Make Sure You Have An Effective Strategy For Long-Term Smile Care

What does an effective oral health care routine look like? Your approach can benefit from a combination of thorough daily care and professional dental checkups. Checkups provide evaluations and cleanings that help you avoid problems with tooth decay and gum disease. On your own, you should be brushing your teeth at least two times a day, and flossing at least once a day. When you do so, make sure you clean every area, even those that are difficult to reach.

Our Practice Offers Important Oral Health Support In Southlake, TX

Our Southlake, TX dentist’s office is proud to provide oral health support to people of all ages in and around our community.

Call our to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.