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Top 7 Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Top 7 Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene


Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene refers to the practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease. It is an essential self-care practice in day-to-day life with professional care.

Oral health is often taken for granted, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, and be linked to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gum is a lifelong commitment. Learn proper oral hygiene habits early to avoid costly dental procedures and long-term health issues.

Oral Health Facts

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source, tooth decay and gum disease are very common.

  • Between 60 and 90 percent of school children have at least one tooth cavity.
  • Nearly 100 percent of adults have at least one dental cavity in their lifetime.
  • Between 15 and 20 percent of adults aged 35 to 44 years have severe gum disease.
  • About 30 percent of people around the world ages 65 to 74 have lost natural teeth completely.
  • In most countries, 10 out of 100,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer.
  • The burden of oral disease is much higher in poor or disadvantaged population groups.

Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are the foundation of strong and healthy teeth. Regular care of gums prevents bacterial growth that can otherwise lead to infectious gum diseases one of the most common causes of teeth loss in adults. Regular oral hygiene practice with aids to strengthen gum.

Good Physical Health: Recent studies have linked heart attack and stroke to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene and professional teeth cleaning every six months in a dental clinic help to keep teeth and gum healthy and reduce heart disease and stroke risk. Gum disease also affects carbohydrate metabolism that may further increase the blood sugar level in diabetes.

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Oral Cancer at Bay: A healthy mouth and good oral habits can keep off oral cancers. Regular dental checkups prevent any possibilities of cancer development as dentists along with routine checkups also examine for any such symptoms.

Healthy Pregnancy: Poor oral health may lead to complications in pregnancy, including premature delivery, low-weight babies, birth defects, and abnormalities. Regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene are essential for assuring a healthy pregnancy.

Strong Teeth: Deposition of sticky biofilm composed of pathogenic microorganismscan destroy the tooth surface, leading to cavity formation called tooth decay and tooth loss in the future. Keeping teeth strong means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.

No Bad Breath: Adopting a routine practice of oral care keeps your mouth clean and fresh. It removes germs that cause bad breath. Halitosis or bad breath may be an indication of infection.

Bright and Confident Smile: Everybody is much more confident when they have a bright white smile. You can visit a dentist for a cleaning and whitening schedule to remove stains from teeth.

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Oral Hygiene Practices

The following are some best practices that can keep teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day using a proper toothbrush in gentle, circular motions for more than 2 mins.
  • Floss at least once a day to remove food particles stuck in between teeth, stimulate gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area below the gumline.
  • Follow a healthy diet plan that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Limit the intake of sugary snacks and drinks.
  • Consider a mouthwash that may help with bad breath and other oral health problems.
  • Avoid tobacco products that can stain teeth and tongue.
  • Get your teeth cleaned by a dental professional every six months.
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Dental Hygiene Tips for Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting the practice of visiting a dentist for children by their first birthday.

Children are highly susceptible to tooth decay, especially those who are on bottle feed. Tooth decay may be caused by too much sugar left on the teeth after bottle feeding.

To avoid decay, follow these tips:

Dental Hygiene Tips for Children
  • Only bottle feed during mealtimes.
  • Wean off bottle feeding practice in children from one year.
  • Fill the bottle with waterat bedtime to soothe them.
  • Begin brushing with a soft baby toothbrush once their baby teeth start to come in.
  • Should use only water until your child learns not to swallow the toothpaste.
  • Start seeing a pediatric dentist regularly for your child.
  • Talk to a dentist about putting fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

Following a simple oral care routine helps maintain overall body health and could save a lot of time and money that may otherwise be spent relentlessly on numerous dental schedules and medication. A healthy mouth makes for a healthy body.

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