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The Importance of Good Oral Health

Practicing good oral care is essential to the health of your teeth and your overall well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 percent of American adults over the age of 65 have lost all their teeth. To keep your teeth for as long as possible, practice proper oral hygiene and learn about the risks associated with oral health.

  1. Cavities

    • Many people think that children are the only ones prone to cavities, but adults can also get cavities. If you eat a lot of carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread, candy, cookies and soda, without practicing proper oral care, plaque can build up. Plaque eats away at your teeth and causes small holes to emerge. Your dentist can drill away the decay from the tooth and fill it. If the tooth surface is small, a crown may be placed over the tooth.

    Bad Breath

    • Having good oral health is essential to avoid bad breath. Bad breath, medically referred to as halitosis, can occur when food particles get stuck in your mouth. Bacteria builds up and causes an unpleasant smell. Flossing and brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day can reduce or prevent bad breath. Brush or scrape your tongue every time you brush your teeth because the back of the tongue is prone to bacteria.

    Periodontal Disease

    • Good oral health can help prevent periodontal disease. The first stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is triggered by plague formation on your teeth. The plague inflames your gums, making them appear swollen and red. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which causes the bone and tissue that support your teeth to deteriorate. Your teeth may get loose and ultimately may have to be extracted.

    Heart Disease

    • Aside from saving your teeth, good oral health can save your life. Bacteria that originates in your mouth because of improper dental care can enter your bloodstream. It can cause blood clots to form in your arteries, which can trigger a stroke or heart attack.

    Other Reasons

    • Good oral health is especially essential in pregnant women. According to Mayo Clinic, gum disease in pregnant women is linked to low birth weight and premature birth. People with diabetes must also practice proper dental care because they are at a higher risk for dental infections.

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