Ask dentist in West Byfleet: why is my oral hygiene so important?
While our dentist in West Byfleet can offer professional quality care when it is needed, it is the actions and responsibilities taken by the patient that ultimately determine the health and function of their mouths.
The importance of good oral hygiene cannot be more emphasised as it relates to more than dental health and extends to influence physical, mental and psychosocial health too. There are a number of physical health concerns that are rooted in poor dental health issues. It is for these reasons, in addition to the risk to oral health and function, that our dentist in West Byfleet at Byfleet Dental advises the conscious implementation of a strictly-followed dental hygiene routine.
Our dentist in West Byfleet devotes this post to the valuable benefits of keeping up with one’s oral hygiene routine at home as well as a few key fundamentals of such a programme.
Why a good dental hygiene routine is a worthwhile effort
Patients who relate good dental hygiene ONLY to clean teeth and gums could not be more wrong in their thinking. There are a myriad of reasons why giving careful consideration to one’s at-home dental hygiene habits is vital. Some of these reasons appear below.
A good dental hygiene practice benefits the mouth as well as the wider body. When bacteria that create dental problems accumulate in the mouth, this increases the risk to physical health. This is because the bad bacteria that are responsible for the development of serious dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease also heightens the possibility of the patient suffering complications to their medical health.
Amongst the medical complaints and complications issuing from the accumulation of an overabundance of bad bacteria is the threat to heart and lung health and the likelihood of pneumonia, diabetes and strokes.
Efforts to ensure cleaner teeth and gums go a long way to protecting a bright winning smile. A healthy smile, in return, protects one’s confidence levels and is key to forming a good first impression on others.
Observing a good oral hygiene routine is never a wasted effort. With the reduced chance of experiencing a dental problem, patients are saved the costs of treatment to rehabilitate their mouth back to full function and health.
Now that we have uncovered some of the remarkable benefits of keeping teeth and gums clean, the next question is “what constitutes a dentist-recommended oral hygiene programme?”
The cornerstone of an effective dental hygiene routine is the daily brushing and flossing of teeth. Patients must be mindful to employ best-practice methods in their efforts of brushing their teeth. This must be done twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush together with fluoride-rich toothpaste. Brushing should ideally take a minimum of two minutes, using gentle circular motions to make sure that as large a part of the tooth’s surface area is covered.
Also crucial to maintaining good dental hygiene is attending professional dental checkups at least once or twice a year.
Do you have more questions about what makes a good dental hygiene programme? Come and speak to our dentist at Byfleet Dental. Our team at the reception desk will gladly assist in finding a time and date convenient for you.