Good Oral Hygiene Benefits That Might Surprise You

If you think that an attractive smile is the main benefit of good oral hygiene, you’re missing out on a number of other positive outcomes that are even more important for your overall well-being. Investing in both your home oral hygiene practices and routine professional care will reap many rewards.

Establishing a relationship with a family dentistry practice is a crucial element of your oral health maintenance plan, as is a robust home oral hygiene routine. Contact our office to learn how we can help.

The Many Benefits Of Good Oral Hygiene

Many people follow their oral hygiene habits and see their dentist twice a year because they want to keep their smile looking its best. While this is a compelling motivation, there are many other gains from good oral hygiene practices, such as.

• Disease prevention: Many systemic diseases, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, appear to have a link to oral health issues, so maintaining oral health can reduce risks of those conditions.
• Better nutrition: Teeth that are unaffected by decay or other issues are better able to chew and process the nutrients your body needs.
• Reduced costs: When you take good care of your teeth consistently, you greatly reduce the risk that you’ll need complex and expensive dental treatments.
• Better quality of life: Dental issues can be a drag on your mood and energy, so preventing them greatly boosts your quality of life.

Home Oral Hygiene Routine: The Basics

How do you practice good oral hygiene habits to get all of the aforementioned benefits? Here are a few recommendations.

• Brush twice each day, for two minutes at a time
• Floss daily
• Stay well hydrated, and drink some water after meals

You should also use the right tools, like toothbrushes in good condition and fluoridated toothpaste with an ADA seal of approval. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene routine, we encourage you to call our office and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members.

How Professional Dental Care Supplements Your Home Routine

Of course, your day-to-day regimen at home is only one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to see your dentist at least twice each year for exams and professional cleanings. These services keep your smile in optimal condition.

For example, a hygienist at a family dentistry practice can access areas of your smile that are difficult for you to reach on your own in order to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup. When a dentist inspects your smile every six months, any issues can be identified and treated early.

Has it been more than six months since your last dental checkup and teeth cleaning? Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule your next appointment.