May 23, 2022
Our teeth have an important role to play in our lives. They help us chew and digest food, help us to speak clearly, and also give our face its shape.
Teeth are the caretakers of our smile and are also the first wall of protection of our general wellbeing.
However, we tend to overlook them and many times end up abusing them. The gums are the soft pink tissue in the mouth that holds the teeth in place.
The sugar bugs go crazy over the sugar on the teeth, after we eat, turning the sugar into acids that eat away tooth enamel, causing cavities.
These sugar bugs can also be the root cause of gingivitis, a gum disease that can make the gums red, swollen, and sore.
Inadequate care of teeth, cavities, and unhealthy gums can end up making the mouth very, very uncomfortable, causing difficulty in eating meals and the way one smiles.
Most people tend to delay the vital six-monthly check-up at the dentist because of convenience.
Many also forget teeth’s actual function and use them as tools to open bottles, or to cut through threads.
However, we also tend to complain when our teeth show signs of abuse causing excruciating pain in us, in an attempt to get the message across that they are in trouble.
Why Do We Need Healthy Teeth?
Healthy teeth are one of the rewards of good oral hygiene and can have a substantial effect on one’s personal and professional life.
People with healthy teeth get to enjoy certain advantages like a great smile and fresh-smelling breath.
The first thing people notice when they interact are teeth and those conscious of the condition of their teeth, often find themselves feeling low in confidence.
When it comes to dental health, prevention is always a lot cheaper than treating a problem that has developed fully.
Consequences of Unhealthy Teeth
Toothache is a tell-tale sign for us to rush into action, but sometimes it can come too late after the damage on a larger scale has already happened.
Teeth and mouth are a key and a kind of diagnostic system to our general health.
A swab of saliva can sometimes tell a great deal about the general health, and give necessary warning signs of the presence of systemic disease.
Unhealthy teeth can cause
- Tooth decay and tooth loss
- Gum disease & bone loss
- Heart and lungs disease
- Worsening of diabetes
- Strokes
- Osteoporosis
- Oral cancer
- Emotional issues like low confidence, self-esteem, and embarrassment
Our teeth bite, tear, chew and break down the food we eat making it ready for the digestive process to begin.
Everything that enters our mouths needs to get past them first. If the teeth are healthy, strong, and capable of performing their intended function, the system works comfortably well.
However, if the teeth are chipped, broken, missing, or misaligned, the damage caused can be more than just a smile. Their optimum functionality can be damaged.
A chain reaction that is kicked by Cavities, gum recession, and poor hygiene in terms of bacteria and plaque build-up can further result in gum disease, leading to tooth and bone loss, impacting the overall health of the person.
Also Read: Temporary Crown vs. Permanent Crown: What’s The Difference?
Benefits Of Having Healthy Teeth
Fresh Breath
Maintaining proper oral hygiene and taking care of teeth and gums can keep the bad breath causing bacteria at a minimum.
Bad breath can have a negative impact on both the personal and professional life of a person.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Patients are less likely to develop tooth decay if their teeth are taken proper care of.
Adequate oral hygiene ensures that the food particles converted into acids by the bacteria in the mouth have limited exposure to teeth, helping to prevent issues like cavities, gum disease and infections that may develop over time.
Reduces The Risk Of Heart Attacks
Certain types of bacteria that live in the mouth can make their way into a person’s bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of having a stroke or heart attack.
Reducing the Risk of Cancer and Dementia
Keeping teeth and gums healthy can reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly in women, as well as some forms of dementia.
Improves Confidence
A healthy smile can transform a person’s visual appearance, increasing the positivity of the mindset!
People with healthy teeth are generally perceived to be more sociable, attractive and successful whereas the opposite is true for the people with unhealthy teeth.
Saves Money
Brushing and flossing twice a day, and visiting the dentist twice a year is a lot cheaper than paying for the dental treatments. Thus making dental hygiene a priority can help to save a lot of money.
Keeping Teeth Healthy
Some simple tips to keep Teeth Healthy that can go a long way in ensuring good oral health are:
- Brush with a soft brush, twice a day
- Floss between the teeth once a day to clear out food particles from difficult-to-reach places.
- Avoid acidic or sugary foods that can be breeding agents for Plaque and the bacteria in it.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
- Regular dental check-ups, preferably every six months can enable the dentist to be able to check for early signs of disease, perform necessary procedures, and advise on necessary changes regarding oral hygiene.
- A dentist should be immediately contacted if there is an apparent change, pain, or bleeding in the mouth.
- Teeth should be used only for their designed function i.e. chewing, tearing and pulping food.
Conclusion
A healthy mouth can be a great asset.
Dr. Sheena Gaur at Kirkland Premier Dentistry that a healthy smile has many day-to-day benefits.
It can not only give us greater confidence but also influence our social lives, careers and relationships.
Brushing teeth twice daily, maintaining a low-in-sugar diet and regular visits to a competent dental professional, help reduce the risk of diseases like dental decay and gum disease, both of which can result in tooth loss.
She explains that the permanent teeth we get at a tender age are needed to last an entire lifetime.
Fillings, crowns, dentures and implants can fill the gaps, but they cannot be the same as the teeth lost.
Keeping teeth healthy becomes especially relevant, and often more difficult, as one ages.
Optimum dental care involves working together with a dentist to ensure that the teeth stay healthy for as long as possible.
Optimal oral health can go a long way to contribute to the general state of well-being.
Our goal at Kirkland Premier Dentistry is to provide the highest quality dental care gently and compassionately, in the process providing our patients with a healthy & confident smile for a lifetime.
