It’s that time of the year again…time to have a regular checkup with your dentist!
You might be feeling panicky at the moment, and you’re afraid to spend that 1-hour appointment with 10-15 minutes of scolding. So you grab all of the dental hygiene supplies from your bathroom counter and start brushing and swishing as if your life depends on it.
Unfortunately, your dentist will notice. Because a healthy mouth is not achieved by a rigorous application of all the fluoride and antibacterial mouthwash, it’s done from a regular habit of brushing and flossing after every meal.
But let’s say that you’ve never had a cavity or an aching tooth in your whole life (which is impossible, but we’ll let it slide), there are more reasons why your dentist wants you to keep a healthy oral habit.
Smiling is a natural trigger of serotonin and dopamine, usually called happy chemicals. These are responsible for lifting up your mood and making you feel better.
People who are less likely to smile are typically ashamed of how their teeth look, which is caused by a lack of oral hygiene. If you fail to listen to your dentist, your teeth will not only deteriorate, but you’ll lose confidence and the self-esteem to smile more.
If you have a healthy set of teeth and gums, you’ll never spend a single penny on dental work. Failing to take care of your teeth will result in cavities and other dental problems that cost a fortune to remedy. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure…and also cheaper.
A study held by the American Dental Association shows that the average American spends $700 on dental work every year. Those who don’t have any dental insurance are more likely to spend more. To save your teeth from drilling and fillings, keeping them free from cavities is the best way to do it.
Most people think that abandoning good oral hygiene practices only results in tooth loss. While this may be true, there’s a more sinister outcome of letting your teeth deteriorate.
Your teeth fall out because of the shrinking gums that hold them in place. Poor dental habits cause the gums to bleed and get infected, which then recedes and loses contact with your tooth. If the gum disease gets to your whole mouth, you’ll soon be left without any teeth.
Although this study has not been proven, some health experts believe that gum disease is related to heart problems. They stated that the infection from the gums can travel through the bloodstream and end up in your heart. This is an alarming discovery that will cause panic if proven accurate.
It’s not just morning breath that we’re talking about here. It’s overall everyday breath. Getting that dream job, on a date, or reporting to your bosses can make or break your impression by your breath. If you fail to follow your daily oral routine, it will show through the air you exhale.
You may not know it, but unpleasant morning breath is also connected to poor or lack of oral routine in the evening. We’re not talking about just brushing your teeth. You also need to make sure that you’ve flossed, cleaned your tongue, and optional swish of your favorite mouthwash.
Do you think that we’ll stop at gum disease and heart conditions? Unfortunately, not taking care of your teeth and gums does more damage than that.
Consuming excess amounts of sugar does not just cause dental problems, but it affects your general health as well. Not considering your oral health might bring more health concerns down the road, such as diabetes, arthritis, and dementia.
But that doesn’t mean that these diseases are connected in some way. These are just common symptoms medical researchers found that are somewhat related. It’s safe to say that disregarding your oral health is more than just cavities and root canals.
Of course, there’s more to enjoy with a healthy mouth. You’ll feel more confident and more friendly with a brighter outlook on life. You’ll find yourself getting involved in a larger group of friends, building connections, and making good memories.
And for the single people out there, who knows? You might be able to impress your future special someone soon!
Your daily dental routine all comes down to two central purposes: prevention and protection. Your dentist will continue drilling you about the importance of keeping your teeth clean and healthy, but it’s not just because they want you to save your dental bills.
Dental procedures hurt both your wallet and your mouth. A simple toothache can hugely affect your day. It can hinder you from opportunities and productive hours that should be used on more important things.
Most people think that having cavities and tooth decay is inevitable because teeth deteriorate as we get older. But there are people in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s who are rocking it with their natural teeth because they practiced great dental habits when they were younger.
How do they do it?
The most common and vital thing to do is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal is usually a good habit to start picking up. You should also be cleaning all sides and corners of your teeth, and your brushing time should be at least two minutes.
Stop lying to your dentist and really start flossing. It removes the trapped food particles and bacteria that are lurking in between your teeth. Your toothbrush can’t reach those tight areas, so the floss is your best friend to achieve that. To add more motivation to flossing, you can purchase one with different flavors or an infused whitening agent such as charcoal.
Finally, see your dentist twice a year, and be honest about your missteps in taking care of your teeth. Your dentist is already aware and is only waiting for you to come clean. All your dentist wants is for you to enjoy having a healthier mouth and a brighter smile, so chin up and love your pearly whites even more!
