Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your health. Therefore, the importance of proper brushing and flossing should never be underestimated. People often forget about the importance of this, but it has been shown that a lack of oral hygiene can lead to serious health concerns, including tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and even heart disease. Therefore, it is advised to build an oral hygiene regime by consulting any Annapolis dentist nearby.
Brushing your teeth after every meal will remove plaque that is stuck to the teeth. Flossing will remove food particles that are trapped in between teeth. In addition, studies have shown that people who brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes decreased the risk of gum disease by approximately 40%.
Here are some reasons why proper brushing and flossing are essential.
- Prevention of tooth decay
Tooth decay can lead to tooth loss or even gum disease which poses a greater risk for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect the patient’s organs. Studies have shown that bacteria from food often get trapped between teeth, where they can be left for hours and cause tooth decay. Sticking to a proper brushing and flossing routine has been proven to help prevent tooth decay.
- Prevention of periodontal diseases
Periodontal diseases are also known as gum diseases and can lead to tooth loss, tooth fracture, and inflammation in the mouth. While there are many ways to prevent periodontal diseases, one of the most overlooked is proper brushing and flossing. Proper brushing and flossing help reduce plaque by removing food particles from around teeth.
- Prevention of staining
Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth staining. The two common causes of tooth staining are the consumption of coffee, tea, or tobacco products and the consumption of wine or alcoholic beverages. Other less common causes are certain medications, including vitamin C supplements and radiation treatment. The best way to maintain strong teeth is to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and keep up with regular dental checkups.
- Prevention of halitosis
Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common problem. It can be caused by a variety of things, including poor oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing improve oral hygiene, and thus, reduce the risk of halitosis. In order to ensure good oral hygiene practices, it is essential to brush your teeth properly with a toothbrush and floss daily.