Nearly half of Americans have gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss. Dental problems like gingivitis are often caused by poor oral hygiene habits. The importance of good oral hygiene cannot be overstated, especially since something like gum disease can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out. 

Your dentist in Clemmons NC believes that good brushing habits are foundational for maintaining optimal oral health. To help our patients "brush up" on the basics, we offer this overview of the benefits of good oral hygiene.

Keep reading to learn all about what your family dentist looks for with oral hygiene. 

Prevent Cavities

One of the main benefits of brushing your teeth and flossing is the prevention of cavities. Oral hygiene habits prevent the buildup of plaque. Over time, plaque can calcify into tartar.

Tartar is the hard material that bacteria thrive on. The presence of tartar is a major risk factor for developing cavities.

Cavities result from bacteria feeding off sugars in saliva. As the microorganisms eat, they release small amounts of acids. Over time, these acids demineralize enamel and create small pits.

Brushing and flossing can prevent cavities from forming. Untreated cavities can lead to oral pain, root canal infections, or the need for a tooth extraction.

Brighten Your Smile

A beautiful smile is a sign of intelligence and youth. If you eat a carb-rich diet and fail to maintain good oral hygiene habits, your smile may become yellow and tarnished.

This is because failure to brush your teeth twice a day allows plaque to build up. Plaque and tartar have a yellowish or even brown color. No one wants to have a blemished smile.

Good brushing habits also help prevent gum disease. Gums that are infected due to poor oral hygiene habits can become swollen and red. 

Brushing daily prevents the buildup of unwanted plaque. Using a whitening toothpaste can even lift years of stains from your smile. The result will be a cosmetically beautiful smile that leaves you looking years younger.

Freshen Your Breath

Have you heard of halitosis? According to the CDC, halitosis is a medical condition that leads to bad breath.

Few things are more offputting than bad breath. One of the main causes of halitosis is poor oral hygiene habits and a failure to seek mental services like cleanings. 

Forgetting to brush leaves bits of food stuck between your teeth. As these foods break down, they release foul odors. Brushing and flossing remove bits of food from between your teeth.

Cleansing your mouth of food particles also removes sources of food for bacteria that can leave your breath smelling bad.

Prevent Periodontal Disease

Did you know that gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in this country? Infected gums become weak. Gum tissue recession is one reaction gums have to the presence of bacteria. 

Over time, the gradual pulling back of gums can leave teeth unstable and weak. At that point, one or more teeth may need to be extracted. 

Gum disease is also unattractive. One common symptom of gingivitis is swollen gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is the best way to prevent gum disease.

Make Use of Your Dental Insurance

Improved Cardiovascular Health