Are you looking for ways to keep your teeth and gums in good health? This guide explains why it's important to take care of your oral hygiene.

Did you know that more than 80% of people in the US will have at least one cavity by age 34? Gum disease and cavities are some of the most common oral health conditions that affect people today.

Sadly, these conditions are also the most preventable, and many people don't realize the effect they have on their overall health. You can easily prevent these conditions by finding an experienced dentist in South Philadelphia, PA, and putting a good oral hygiene routine into place.



Keep reading this guide to learn why a good oral hygiene routine is essential, and start improving your dental health today!

Improves Your Overall Health

Forming an excellent oral hygiene routine improves overall health and reduces your risk of disease. It's important to realize that your mouth is the main entry point for bacteria to enter your body. Your saliva also acts as a protective barrier in your mouth. It washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids.

This bacteria can enter your respiratory and digestive tracts and spread throughout the rest of your body, causing health conditions such as:

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, known as the endocardium. This infection causes inflammation, and you can develop symptoms like a heart murmur and shortness of breath. 

The most common cause of endocarditis is bacteria overgrowth which is often due to poor oral hygiene or gum disease.

Heart Disease

Poor oral health can also increase your risk of heart disease. Bacteria that cause gum disease can travel to other blood vessels in your body. This leads to inflammation and blood vessel damage, which can lead to a heart attack.

Pneumonia

Bacteria in your mouth can go into your lungs and cause pneumonia and other types of respiratory problems.

Diabetes



Your oral health can also affect conditions like diabetes. You're more likely to have oral health problems when you have poorly controlled blood sugar. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can also increase your risk of developing gum disease.

Improves Your Nutrition and Digestion

Not only does good oral hygiene reduce your risk for disease, but it also improves your overall nutrition and digestion.

Your mouth is actually the first part of your digestive tract. If you have common oral health issues like cavities or gum disease, you won't be able to chew food normally. 



This makes getting all the important nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy much more difficult. In addition, your stomach has to work harder to digest food that isn't properly chewed.

Prevents Tooth Loss

When you don't have a good oral hygiene routine in place, you're at more risk for developing gum disease and cavities. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss. Tooth loss affects your nutrition and also your speech.



A proper oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits will ensure that your teeth and gums remain plaque-free.

Early Detection of Oral Diseases

When you're paying attention to your oral health, you'll be able to detect oral diseases sooner rather than later. Brushing and flossing daily allows you to notice things like teeth sensitivity and inflamed gums much earlier.



Also, regular dental exams lead to earlier detection of cracked teeth and gum disease. You'll decrease your risk of oral cancer since you'll be screened for it at every dental visit. 

You'll Have a More Confident Smile

When your teeth aren't healthy and bright, it can really do a number on your overall confidence. This not only affects your social life but how you feel during your work day too.

Regular dental visits and a daily oral hygiene routine can reduce stains and tooth discoloration, giving you a whiter smile.



You'll also have fewer problems with bad breath. Bad breath is usually due to bacteria and plaque build-up in your mouth. Brushing and flossing daily reduce this build-up and leave you with fresher breath and more confidence.

Forming a Good Oral Hygiene Routine

The first step to improving dental health is forming a good oral hygiene routine and sticking to it.

A good oral hygiene routine involves keeping your teeth free of food particles, keeping your gums pink and healthy, and eliminating bad breath.

Establishing a daily routine of brushing and flossing will help prevent most dental problems from occurring in the first place. You'll also need to be mindful of how many surgery foods and drinks you consume daily.

A helpful checklist you can start with includes:

• Brushing twice daily
• Brushing or rinsing after eating sugary foods
• Flossing daily
• Using teeth cleaning products that contain fluoride
• Eating a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables
• Drinking water with fluoride
• Avoiding products with tobacco

Regular Dental Appointments

Scheduling a dental appointment is your next step. Professional cleanings at least twice a year eliminate any plaque build-up you miss during your daily oral care routine.

Your hygienist will clean and polish your teeth with a high-powered toothbrush during a cleaning. They'll also floss your teeth thoroughly to remove any food and debris.

Your dentist will typically perform x-rays to check for any oral health problems. This ensures that minor issues are detected early before they cause serious damage to your oral health. Your dentist will also evaluate your gums and check for early signs of gum disease.



Finally, you'll get oral cancer screening during your visits. Oral cancer can occur on your anywhere around your mouth or lips. Oral cancer often doesn't have noticeable symptoms early on, so early detection is crucial.

See a Dentist in South Philadelphia, PA, For a Checkup

Now that you know why good oral hygiene is so important, you'll be more likely to schedule regular dental checkups.

If you're looking for a dentist in South Philadelphia, PA, you can turn to The Tabas Center for Advanced Dentistry for all your dental care needs.

We offer general and preventative dental services such as cleanings, dental exams, x-rays, gum disease care, and oral cancer screenings. We also provide cosmetic dentistry services like crowns, veneers, implants, Invisalign, and teeth whitening. 



You'll get high-quality dental care in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Make sure you contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your oral hygiene routine on the right track!