If you’re anything like me, especially as a kid, oral health always seemed a bit of a needless endeavor. Yes, we’re told to do it as children and it’s certainly important to have breath that doesn’t smell like hot garbage on a Sunday afternoon. However, surely that can’t be the only reason caring for your oral hygiene is important, can it?

Of course not! You already knew there was more to the story than that. Oral health is incredibly important, not only for aesthetic and confidence-related reasons but also because ignoring your dental care can lead to some very serious issues over time. Below, we’ll go over several important reasons why you should make sure your dental health is the best it can be.

Reason #1. Tooth & Gum Disease

The first reason you should care for your teeth is obvious, and that is to prevent tooth and gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are ideal as it all works to prevent a build-up of plaque around the teeth. This plaque covers the teeth and makes it difficult to wipe away any bacteria that moves through the teeth. This bacteria can cause cavities, gum disease, and more. Regular dental care can stop this issue well before it starts.

Reason #2. Cardiovascular Health

Interestingly, there have been several studies done that show that poor dental care and oral health have an adverse effect on one’s cardiovascular health. This is largely due to the potential for tooth decay and gum disease. As bacteria move through the tooth and gums, it spreads outward, next moving to the cardiovascular system. This has resulted in a possible link between tooth loss and decay with an increased risk of heart disease.

Reason #3. Potential Tooth Decay & Removal

Lastly, if you’ve ever suffered a cavity, you know that dental damage is virtually permanent and irreversible. Things like a weakened enamel, tooth decay, or periodontitis (the loss of gums) are all things that, when they occur, can’t be fixed or reversed. The same is true for a dead tooth that must be removed. By not caring for your oral health, you run the risk of essentially ruining your entire mouth in ways that cannot naturally be fixed.

Schedule An Appointment With Your Local Dentist

If, after reading this, you realize that your teeth could use a bit of help getting back on track, understand that it’s not too late. In most cases, unless the tooth has fully died or the gums have notably begun to recede, there is still time to course correct it. Schedule with your local dentist as soon as possible for a checkup to see what you need and what can be done.

To learn more and to schedule a check-up if you’re in the Canadian area, be sure to visit Avenue Sourire (avenusourire.com). There, they have various procedures and services that can help anyone, no matter what you need.