In a survey, 94% of people admitted to noticing people's smiles before anything on their first meeting. This number shows how important your teeth are in making a good first impression. That said, people often neglect their oral health.
In North Carolina, the rate of emergency dental visits is twice that of the national average, which is not a good sign. The good news is that in 2021, North Carolina released the NC Oral Health Improvement Plan to eliminate barriers to quality dental services and reduce oral health disease.
So, with all that said, here's a look at why you need to get serious about your oral health.
1) Saving money on dental costs
Dental procedures can be expensive because of the materials, equipment, and techniques used. You'll be doing yourself a huge favor by caring for your oral health from a young age. You will avoid having to spend thousands on getting your teeth fixed in the future.
You can avoid having to undergo costly dental procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions by maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups. Also, such practices can help extend the lifespan of dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.
If you're based in North Carolina and are looking for a reputable dentist in the area, go online and search for orthodontics NC.
2) Preventing tooth decay and gum disease
Tooth decay and gum diseases are the first few things that come to mind concerning your oral health. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth and flossing regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions can lead to pain, infection, tooth loss, and other serious health problems.
One of the major causes of poor oral health is a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, and if it is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can lead to gum disease and has been linked to a range of other health problems.
3) Improving overall health
Poor oral health is the reason behind a number of other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even some types of cancer. When bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the brain and cause inflammation in the blood vessels. This can increase the risk of blood clots, which can block blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.
Take care of your teeth and gums to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
4) Boosting confidence and self-esteem
A healthy, attractive smile can improve your self-confidence and make you feel better about yourself. Good oral health practices can help prevent bad breath, which can be a source of embarrassment and social discomfort. Having fresh breath can help you feel more comfortable in social situations.
Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures can make it difficult to speak clearly and be another source of embarrassment. Getting such problems addressed can ensure improved energy levels, mood, and confidence.
5) Setting a good example for children
Children learn through role modeling. They imitate their parents to form habits and behaviors. Your child might also understand the significance of oral care when you emphasize it. You can set a good example for children and help them develop good oral hygiene habits by prioritizing oral health. Doing this will benefit them throughout their lives.
6) Early detection of dental problems
Regular dental checkups can help detect dental problems early before they become more severe and require more extensive and costly treatments. For example, early detection of cavities can often be treated with a simple filling, whereas a more advanced cavity may require a crown or root canal.
Hence, being careful can prevent pain and discomfort, reduce the risk of tooth loss, save money, improve overall health, and enhance the quality of life. It is necessary to maintain regular dentist visits and practice good oral hygiene to help detect and prevent oral problems early.
7) Better digestion
Good oral health practices, such as having healthy teeth and gums can make it easier to chew food properly. Chewing is the first step in the digestive process and is vital for breaking down food into smaller pieces that can be digested easily.
Perfect oral health is necessary to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. Doing this stimulates the production of saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food and aid in digestion.
Healthy teeth and gums can help ensure that the body is able to properly absorb the nutrients it needs for optimal digestion and overall health. Frequent snacking and consuming sugary or acidic foods and drinks can increase the risk of acid reflux. Acid reflux can cause discomfort and interfere with digestion.
8) Leads to a Healthy Pregnancy
You might not expect oral health to play a part in pregnancies. However, there are some significant effects of neglecting it while pregnant. Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Studies have shown that pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. Good oral hygiene can help prevent it and reduce this risk.
Moreover, research suggests that pregnant women with periodontal disease may have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, both of which can lead to dire complications for both the mother and baby.
It is vital for pregnant women to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. They should also inform their dentist that they are pregnant so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that oral health contributes to a better quality of life. The great thing is that it doesn't take a lot of work; you just have to be consistent with it. So, start taking your oral health seriously and reap the benefits.
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