Oral hygiene is important to your health. Keeping your mouth clean helps keep it free of disease, not to mention the cosmetic benefits. Unhealthy teeth can become stained and bad breath (halitosis) can occur. Bad breath and stained teeth are not attractive traits and this has social implications. While brushing and flossing regularly and properly can be annoying the results of not doing so are much more annoying.
Keeping good oral hygiene habits is more than simple brushing and flossing. It's how you brush and floss that is important. Proper gum care is essential to a healthy mouth. Brushing along the gum line helps remove plaque where it builds up the most. At the same time it is possible to brush too hard and actually hurt the gums. Flossing is important because it can remove plaque build up where it is hardest to get at and will therefore build up more. It is a good idea to listen to your dental hygienist about what you need to do to keep a clean and healthy mouth.
Not keeping good oral hygiene can lead to any number of medical problems ranging from the minor to the serious. Unfortunately the minor problems have a tendency to grow into larger problems if left untreated. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which can in turn lead to orthodontic problems. Cavities can grow and cause pain and eventually you end up with a dead tooth. A tooth extraction will then be needed and you will need to get a bridge, partial dentures or dental implants to fill the pace or orthodontic problems can occur. Preventive maintenance is the best way to prevent any problems.
If you would like to learn more about keeping good oral hygiene and would like to speak with a dentist, please consider visiting the Atlanta Dental Group PC. Our Atlanta dental team has over 45 years of combined experience serving Atlanta's dental needs. Our dentists are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are more than welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like schedule an appointment with our Atlanta cosmetic dentist feel free to call us at 404-874-7428.
