JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
October is National Dental Hygiene month and it is paramount for everyone to be aware of the importance of having healthy teeth and gums. Dental professionals ensure patients are aware of the various health risks associated with poor oral hygiene. According to a study published in the Australian Dental Journal, one of the most common infectious oral diseases is dental decay. If simple tooth decay is not treated in time, a patient will later have to go through more invasive and extensive procedures, such as root canal treatments. It is also important to keep in mind bacteria-causing tooth decay is easily passed along through saliva.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research stated the mouth is the primary means of entry for many fungi, bacteria and different types of viruses. The dentist may be the first healthcare provider to detect serious diseases such as HIV, oral cancer or Herpes Virus Infection. By postponing a dental visit, a patient not only allows tooth decay to advance, but also avoids early prevention and treatment of other, possibly more serious conditions.
Finally, according to several recent studies in the field, untreated gum disease is directly linked to health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight and preterm labor.
What can you do to prevent these potential problems?
1) Always brush for two minutes, two times a day, and every day. Research shows that brushing for two minutes is the single most important method for reducing plaque and preventing cavities, gingivitis and other plaque-related diseases. Brushing properly is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile.
2) Ensure flossing is a daily habit. Daily flossing, or other methods of interdental cleaning, removes plaque and food particles a toothbrush a toothbrush can't reach, particularly under the gum line and between teeth. Failure to do so can allow for plaque buildup in these areas - which in turn can lead to tooth decay, tartar formation and gum disease.
3) Use a mouthwash to improve oral health. Rinsing your mouth with an anti-microbial mouth rinse each day is another important step you can take to prevent gum disease. Remember the teeth themselves account for less than half of the total surface area in your mouth, so brushing and flossing cannot eliminate all the plaque and germs. Be sure to finish oral care routine with an antiseptic mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
4) Chew sugar-free gum after eating. The action of chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the most important natural defense against tooth decay, which in turn helps fight cavities, neutralizes plaque acids, re-mineralizes enamel to strengthen teeth and washes away food particles.
By following the recommended methods above, anyone can prevent potential health complications and ensure a healthy mouth and a bright smile for years to come.