Why Oral Hygiene Is So Important

There’s no question that the vast majority of Americans already know that brushing, flossing, and caring for your teeth is important. After all, it’s something we’re told on a regular basis. But understanding just why good oral hygiene is so vital to your life is important as well. Some of the reasons are obvious and well known, while others are often surprising to those who haven’t really thought about their oral health too much.

Oral hygiene consists of brushing and flossing at home, plus regular visits to the dentist on a six month basis. Those visits can seem like a hassle, but in reality they’re the key to maintaining the best oral health possible. If you’re not sure just why its’ so important to get regular dental care, here are some reasons.

• Confidence – This is one of the more obvious reasons. When your teeth aren’t in good shape, it impacts your smile. This in turn leads to a lack of confidence. You may be ashamed to smile, and that’s a big problem.

• Pain – This is the other obvious reason that oral hygiene matters so much. By taking care of your teeth, you’ll help prevent the pains that can come with dental problems. Things like cavities and gum disease aren’t as prevalent when you take care of your teeth properly.

• Costs – Even though it seems like a twice yearly visit to the dentist is a cost you can avoid, the reality is that those visits are inexpensive compared to the high cost of root canals, extractions, and other procedures that may be needed without regular oral care.

• Overall Health – This one surprises many people. Your oral hygiene has a direct impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Infections in your teeth, for example, can spread to other parts of the body. People have become seriously ill and in some cases have actually died due to untreated dental problems.

It’s easy to focus on your general health and wellbeing while ignoring your dental health, but it’s a mistake that you really shouldn’t make. With just a few minutes of care at home each day and regular checkups and cleanings from a dental professional, you can avoid a lot of pain, expense, and hassle. And with dental care more affordable and readily available than ever before, there’s really no excuse to ignore it.