Why Should I Clean my Teeth?

If you have ever spent time with a toddler you know how they overuse the word “Why”. That being said, as adults we might not use the word often enough and it is important to know “Why” you need to brush your teeth. Besides your beautiful smile good oral health, cleaning your teeth has many other benefits. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several illnesses including Oral Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diaetes Mellitus. Brushing and flossing at home are essential but your teeth still require regular visits with your dentist and hygienist. Your hygienist can remove most stains and plaque from your teeth. Plaque is a clear, thin, sticky film of bacteria that produces acids while breaking down left behind food. These acids attack the enamel of your tooth and form a hole we call a cavity.

As plaque forms near the gum line it hardens and releases harmful poisons causing gums to become irritated. The gums can then pull away from the teeth and become infected. If gum disease is not treated it can progress to bone damage in that area of your mouth. This leads to early tooth loss.

Several medical conditions are also linked to poor oral hygiene:

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer is common in our American culture and if detected early it can be treated and cured. Your dentist can detect early signs of oral cancer and refer you for treatment.

Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke

Bacteria in gum disease are linked with heart disease and stroke. These bacteria cause inflammation leading to increased plaque in the arteries and blood clots which could cause Stroke.

Diabetes Mellitus

Periodontitis, gum inflammation, may not be noticed by you while in its early stages. This inflammation is linked to making your cells resistant to insulin resulting in difficulty controlling your blood sugar levels.

On a lighter note, you keep your teeth clean to have fresh breath. No one wants to kiss a stinky mouth. Brushing your teeth with toothpaste twice daily for 2-3 minutes each time followed by flossing and possibly an antibacterial mouthwash is the beginning of having clean teeth. Visiting your dentist every 6 months is the next step. Your dentist can determine the health of your mouth and interventions needed.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

It is more cost effective to maintain a healthy mouth than to fix an unhealthy one. White Oak Family Dentistry is ready to assist you with your dental care. We pride ourselves in providing our patients with quality and affordable care not only for dental cleanings, we also specialize in crowns, root canals as well as a wide variety of other dental services.

Call us at 919.986.0151 for your appointment and ask about our current specials. We’re waiting to hear from you!