What is the Importance of Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene?

19th December 2024

Oral hygiene and health have a pivotal role to play when it comes to maintaining overall well-being and health. However, it is often overlooked and underestimated. Instead, one must know that neglecting their oral health can an extensive range of dental issues. Furthermore, it can also affect systemic health. In case you do not know what to do for your oral hygiene, you can get in touch with a certified oral hygienist in Wimbledon. Besides, you can go through this comprehensive post to learn various aspects associated with oral hygiene.

Understanding the Basics of Oral Health and Hygiene

Before speaking about the importance and other critical aspects of oral health, one must know the basics. Oral hygiene means the practices that one follows to maintain the cleanliness of their mouth, gums, and teeth.

These can include regular brushing, mouth-washing, and flossing. In addition to this, regularly scheduled dental cleanings and check-ups are a part of oral health and hygiene. When you maintain your oral health, you can prevent various issues including bad breath, gum diseases, cavities, and others.

Is There Any Relationship of Oral Hygiene With Overall Well-being?

You will be amazed to know that oral hygiene directly affects your overall health. To find out more about this relation, check out the following pointers:

●       Respiratory health

When ignoring oral health, it will have an impact on your respiratory health. This is because bacteria available in your mouth can aspirate into the lungs. When this happens, you may have various infections such as pneumonia.

●       Cardiovascular health

In recent research, it has been found that oral hygiene has a strong connection with cardiovascular health. How? Due to poor oral health, certain bacteria can be developed that can enter your bloodstream. This can turn into inflammation and choking of arteries. As a result, you may have higher chances of stroke and other heart diseases.

●       Issues for diabetics

As per well-known providers of cosmetic dentistry in Wimbledon, diabetic patients are more prone to gum infections and diseases. In case they encounter such issues, it will be harder for them to control the level of blood sugar. Hence, you should maintain your oral health to prevent associated complications.

●       Pregnancy complications

Another risk associated with poor oral health is low birth weight or even premature birth. Yes, it is possible. This happens because of the sudden hormonal changes while expecting a child. When these changes are going on, would-be moms experience infection and inflammation in their gums.

What Are the Dental Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health?

If you do not maintain your oral health, it can lead to various dental issues. Here we have mentioned some of them:

●       Dental caries or cavities

This is nothing but a sticky layer of bacteria that accumulates in the form of plaque. If you have a cavity, you will experience discomfort, pain, and loss of a tooth, if neglected.

●       Periodontal disease or gum disease

This can range from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to severe damage of gums and bones (periodontitis). When not treated promptly, you can lose your tooth.

●       Halitosis or bad breath

If you are dealing with halitosis or bad breath, it is due to the bacteria build-up due to left food particles. However, you can control it with regular brushing and flossing, chronic issues will need the attention of a professional hygienist in Wimbledon.

●       Sensitivity in tooth

This is one of the most common and highly ignored dental concerns. Caused by poor oral health, it can lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion. When you experience this, you will find it inconvenient while having cold, sweet, sour, and hot food items and drinks.

Why Should You Maintain Your Oral Hygiene?

You cannot overstate the significance of good oral health. Since it has a leading role to play in oral and physical well-being, you should not overlook it. Here are some more reasons to pay attention to your oral health:

●       Prevent dental issues

If you perform oral hygiene practices such as flossing and brushing daily, you can remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. This will prevent cavities, gum issues, sensitivity, and tooth decay.

●       Get fresh breath

With oral hygiene, you can prevent bad breathing or halitosis as it will mitigate the odour-causing bacteria from your mouth.

●       Preserve your beautiful smile

When you do not have bad breath and plaque, your teeth will appear stain-free and clean. As a result, you will preserve your beautiful smile.

●       Keep your teeth safe

Since gum diseases can cause tooth loss, you are suggested to maintain your oral hygiene properly. You can connect with cosmetic dentistry in Wimbledon to learn the ways to maintain good oral health.

●       Support your digestive system

Do you know chewing is the very first step involved in the process of digestion? You will only be able to chew properly when your teeth and gums are healthy. For this, you must follow good oral hygiene practices.

What are the Most Effective Practices for Oral Hygiene?

Although you can consult with a dentist or hygienist to seek proper guidance, you can follow the below-mentioned practices to have good oral health:

  • Rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash to remove food particles and build-up of bacteria.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day to clean teeth.
  • Flossing is suggested after every meal to clean plaque and food particles.
  • Schedule regular visits to your dentists i.e. every 6 months to ensure good oral health.
  • Always eat a healthy and balanced diet. Limit or completely avoid acidic and sugary food items and drinks.
  • Say no to alcohol and tobacco items as they can cause stains, gum issues, and even oral cancers.

The Bottom Line

Oral health and hygiene are not only about ensuring a bright and beautiful smile. Instead, it is directly linked to your overall well-being. Ignoring it can lead to numerous dental concerns and even affect systemic health. So, adopt good oral hygiene and health practices. For more useful tips and professional guidance, you can trust top hygienists in Wimbledon at The Dental Lounges.

 

Author Name: Ankita Patel

Ankita Patel is a dedicated Dentist at The Dental Lounges, located in the heart of Cardiff, UK. With an extensive background in comprehensive patient care and a keen eye for the latest trends in dental health, Ankita serves as a vital resource for both her patients and the broader community. Outside the clinic, she dedicates her time to creating insightful and reader-friendly content for numerous esteemed online platforms.