Many people don’t realize how essential good dental health is to their overall well-being. It’s not just about having a bright, gleaming smile. When you don’t take care of your teeth and other structures in your mouth, you can open the door to a host of other problems. By visiting a general dentist experienced in helping patients with their dental health, you can do more to keep your teeth and the rest of your body in good shape. But why is it vital to focus on your dental health?
3 Reasons to Focus on Your Dental Health
1. You Can Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Daily brushing and flossing help get rid of bacteria that are always present in your mouth. That bacteria can release acids that eventually eat through the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities. That can lead to infections in the gums and root structures that might lead to the loss of your teeth. Visits to a Lovett Dental Humble dentist can rid your teeth of plaque build-up that can lead to bad breath and gum disease.
You should also see a dentist for any issues like a misaligned jaw or crooked teeth that interfere with your ability to eat or digest food properly. Those problems can also impact your ability to speak clearly. A dentist may recommend orthodontic procedures that can correct the issues and make your life easier.
2. You Can Protect Your Overall Health
Lowering your risk of contracting other diseases and illnesses is another reason you should look out for your dental health. When you don’t continuously remove bacteria from your mouth through good oral hygiene, you open the door to allowing those germs to spread to other parts of your body.
For example, if any bacteria makes its way into your bloodstream, it could reach specific areas of your heart. You could develop endocarditis, an illness where the inner lining of the heart valves or chambers become infected. You could also end up with other forms of cardiovascular disease as a result of the inflammation.
You can also develop complications from the bacteria in your mouth if you have certain pre-existing health conditions, like:
- Diabetes — Diabetes lowers your body’s natural resistance to infection, making people more prone to developing gum disease.
- Immune system disorders — Some of the drugs associated with cancer treatment can lead to a lack of saliva production, a condition known as dry mouth. Saliva helps combat the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — RA can make you more at risk for gum disorders like gingivitis and periodontitis.
3. You Can Detect Disease Earlier
It would be best if you were going to visit a dentist at least twice per year. They often find issues that can be corrected before they turn into serious problems. You should consult a Lovett Dental Humble dentist if you notice any persistent pain or other discomforts in your mouth. They can let you know if there is a more serious concern to address, like chronic gum disease or mouth cancer.
Practicing Good Oral Hygiene
In addition to visiting a dentist regularly, our Lovett Dental Humble team recommend doing the following to help maintain good dental health:
- Brush at least twice per day, for two minutes, with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day.
- Keep sugar intake to a minimum.
- Consume alcohol in moderation.
- Avoid smoking or other tobacco use.
Take Care of Your Dental Health with Lovett Dental Humble
Lovett Dental Humble provides general dentistry services to patients in Texas. We offer education along with treatment so that our clients understand how important it is to maintain good dental health practices throughout their lives. Our team excels with dental services, such as:
Find out more about Lovett Dental Humble and the services we offer today by contacting us at 281-441-9000.
