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Dental Hygiene

Having good dental hygiene and taking care of your oral health can impact your overall well-being and how others see you. From your smile to your breath, your teeth matter. How well you take care of your mouth says a lot about you. But even if you brush every single day, our teeth naturally face problems as we age. Tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and more can hit anyone at any time.

Scientists continue to develop new research about the importance of good oral hygiene. This means regular brushing and flossing, but also making regular trips to the dentist. It has been found that having an unhealthy mouth can lead to higher risks of stroke, heart attacks, and even make it more difficult to control your diabetes. Your mouth is a great indication of how the rest of your body is doing.

The saliva in your mouth is a great tool your body uses to help keep your mouth clean. It can protect against harmful bacteria and other ‘invaders’ that can make you really sick. While it does a great job most of the time, there are plenty of other types of bacteria that aren’t affected. Researchers say there are over 500 different types of bacteria in our mouths at any time, many of which can produce dental plaque that sticks to your teeth.

This plaque can build up in all the vulnerable areas of your mouth, like along the gumline, and keep you from being able to properly clean the area. The plaque acts as a barrier so even brushing has a difficult time getting the job done. Over time, this accumulation of bacteria causes gingivitis, which is a harmful gum infection that can lead to an even worse problem called periodontitis.

Normally, the bacteria in your mouth don’t travel to your bloodstream, but it can under certain circumstances. For example, if you have severe gum disease and even do a routine action like flossing, it can cut your gums and allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream, wreaking havoc along the way. If you take medications, certain kinds can actually reduce the amount of saliva you produce, making the problem even worse as your mouth’s natural defenses aren’t working effectively.

Seeing a dentist along with regular brushing and flossing is the best way to maintain your dental and overall health. Come visit us at Portal Cypress Dentistry today.