Reviews
Do you brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time every day? Do you make time to schedule a dental checkup in Medford every 6 months? Do you floss at all? Almost everyone agrees that good oral health is important, but some might have more difficulty remembering the right habits than others. Since October is Dental Hygiene Month, it’s a good time to remind yourself of these 5 benefits of keeping your teeth and gums clean – and why it’s important to confirm that you’re making the right choices.
1. Protect Your Tooth from Decay
Cavities and tooth decay are some of the most common health problems in the world; it typically occurs when the bacteria in your mouth start to eat through tooth enamel after being exposed to sugar. Enamel is strong, but it can’t repair itself after it’s been damaged. As a result, the decay will only get worse, and the bacteria will eventually infect and attack the pulp underneath, causing severe toothaches. Thoroughly cleaning your teeth every day will help you avoid this issue.
2. Prevent Advanced Gum Disease
Gum disease is a condition where the tissue connecting your teeth to the rest of your mouth becomes infected. The good news is that if gum disease is caught in its earliest stage – gingivitis – it can often be reversed with a teeth cleaning in Medford followed by an improved oral hygiene routine afterwards. However, advanced gum disease is much harder to treat and can put you at risk for tooth loss.
3. Avoid Advanced Procedures
Cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems do not heal on their own; they need to be treated by a dentist in Medford. The longer you go without making the appointment, the greater the chance that you’ll need an advanced procedure such as a root canal or oral surgery.
4. Improved Health Overall
Would you be surprised to learn that a disease in your mouth could contribute to life-threatening problems in the rest of your body? Studies have found that gum disease is linked to an increased risk for stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and pregnancy complications. Healthy gums might not prevent these conditions altogether, but they will help protect your overall health.
5. Less Costly Care
While it’s true that daily dental care and regular checkups cost money, emergency care to treat severe decay or gum disease is more expensive. In the long run, preventive care is always the most cost-effective answer.
If you want to reap the full benefits of a healthy mouth, the first step is to examine your own dental routine. Talk to your dentist and ask how you can do a better job of keeping your pearly whites safe and clean.
About the Author
At Island Daily Dental Care, Dr. Gary Rosenfield has been practicing dentistry for more than 33 years and holds a membership with the Dental Society of New York. He enjoys the opportunity to change his patients’ lives for the better with excellent preventive care. To schedule a checkup and teeth cleaning, visit his website or call (631) 286-9000.