Having a healthy oral care routine is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. From preventing cavities to reducing the risk of heart disease, taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Benefits of Healthy Oral Care
If you have a lot of saliva all the time, tell your health-care provider. It could be the side effect of a medication or the result of a medical condition or disease. Dry mouth is common in older adults, although the reasons are unclear.
Oral diseases—which range from cavities and gum disease to oral cancer—cause pain and disability for millions of Americans and cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year. Your oral health has an effect on more than just your teeth. Poor oral and dental health can contribute to issues with your self-esteem, speech, or nutrition. They can also affect your comfort and overall quality of life.
There are numerous benefits to maintaining a healthy oral care routine, such as:
- Preventing cavities and gum disease: Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove plaque buildup and prevent tooth decay.
- Fresh breath: Good oral hygiene can help keep bad breath at bay.
- Preventing systemic diseases: Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
If dental plaque remains, it can build up and cause tooth decay and gum disease. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid. For example, if an infection is present in your mouth, your bloodstream can carry the bacteria to other areas of your body, leading to other health concerns like heart disease and stroke. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is an important part of long-lasting overall health.
This cost estimator is intended for use in the 50 states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. If you live outside the U.S., you may see information on this cost estimator about products or services that are not available or authorized in your country. Tooth decay is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Irritated gums can become red and swollen and may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease; you can usually reverse it with daily brushing and flossing.
Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities. Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one source of added sugars in the typical diet of those in the U.S. Sipping on soda, juice, or other sugary drinks can lead to a higher risk of cavities.
There are hundreds of types of bacteria in our mouths and not all of them should be killed. Dr. Kosdon says to avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as this ingredient could diminish a lot of the healthy bacteria that we need along with the bad ones it kills. First things first, maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important habits for maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, says Dr. Kosdon. However, many oral care products—like prescription-only Chlorhexidine mouthwash, according to 2020 research—contain ingredients that kill useful bacteria and shift the entire oral ecosystem. Dr. Kosdon adds that imbalanced oral ecosystems may be correlated to diseases like colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I brush my teeth?
- Is flossing important?
- Should I visit the dentist regularly?
It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed.
Yes, flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health and catching any issues early on.
