The benefits of good oral health extend beyond a brilliant smile. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene is an important part of living an overall healthy lifestyle. Research shows that the oral cavity can be a gateway to several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and low birth weight. Frequently, these diseases will manifest orally, prior to systemic detection. This occurs because bacterial infections within the oral cavity can spread through the bloodstream and colonise remote organ walls. Additionally, toxins from this bacteremia (the presence of bacteria in the blood, which is always abnormal) can cause severe infections in people with immunological and nutritional deficiencies. Regular dental visits are therefore critical in maintaining the wellbeing of your entire oral cavity (made up of the teeth, gums and tongue) and to prevent potentially life-threatening diseases.
Lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to a number of problems such as:
- Oral and facial pain – cavities (tooth decay), periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer
- Digestive problems
- Problems involving the heart and other major organs
Don’t wait until you are experiencing pain to visit the dentist; instead, have regular dental checkups. This will lead to a lifetime of great oral health. Good oral hygiene, however, starts at home. You can achieve this by taking a few simple steps
- Brush your teeth twice a day, for two to three minutes, with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or other inter-dental cleaners.
- Change your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Eat well-balanced meals as part of your diet.
- Limit the between-meal and sugary snacks.
- Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
- Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist.
Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene habits ensure a beautiful smile and a healthy you!
