Several factors contribute to oral diseases. These include unhealthy consumption of a diet rich in sugar, tobacco smoking, and excessive alcohol use. Approximately 3.5 billion people are affected by oral diseases worldwide. These dental problems pose a significant health burden, causing pain, disfigurement, and even death. The good news is that most oral health issues are largely preventable and treatable in the early stages.

Why It Matters

Your dental health is just as vital as your physical and mental health. Because of many factors, however, many people lack the preventive oral health care that they need to keep their teeth and mouth healthy. Everyone benefits from preventive dental care, which is the practice of caring for your teeth, gums, and overall dental health. Nevertheless, children often reap the most benefits as practicing proper dental care early on lets permanent adult teeth come out strong and healthy. Your oral health is extremely crucial to your overall health and well-being as your oral cavity can be a breeding ground for harmful mouth bacteria.

By committing to preventive oral health care habits, you can avoid a variety of dental issues. These include cavities, enamel loss, and gum diseases, among others. Besides reducing your risk for common dental-related issues, maintaining good oral hygiene also helps protect you from systemic conditions. Studies show that poor dental health is linked to many chronic diseases. These include diabetes, heart diseases, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, certain types of cancer, and even premature and low birth weights.

What Can You Do

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirms that there are numerous things you can do to keep your teeth for your lifetime. Try drinking fluoridated water and brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Practice proper oral hygiene by thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing between them every day. After brushing and flossing your teeth, use mouthwash to remove any food particles left. Replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as the bristles are worn.

Equally important is to see your dentist at least once each year. You have to schedule regular dental exams and professional cleanings. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and try to limit food with added sugars. Avoid using any tobacco products. So, if you smoke, quit now. Limit your alcohol consumption. If you're diabetic, you can reduce your risk of other complications like gum disease by working hard to maintain control of the disease. Do you take medications that cause your mouth to go dry? Check with your doctor to prescribe a different medicine that won't cause this side effect. If you can't avoid a dry mouth, ensure that you drink plenty of water. If you observe any changes in your taste and smell, visit your dentist or doctor.

Not only will good oral health improve your smile but it will also preserve your ability to speak and eat. Preventive oral health care habits developed early in life play a key role in having better overall health throughout your lifetime. Don't wait for dental disease to affect your quality of life. Schedule your dental checkup today at Dr. Sam's Premier Dentistry in Sherman, Texas. Call us now at (903) 708-6400 to speak with our staff.