Good oral hygiene is not just important—it’s probably even more important than you think.
Here are six really good reasons to brush frequently, floss daily and visit a dentist at least twice a year:
1. To Have an Attractive Smile. They say that the shortest distance between two people is a smile. Brushing and flossing daily is the only way to remove the food, stains and bacteria that can quickly turn teeth dull and unappealing.
2. To Avoid Bad Breath. Even if your teeth look fine, bacterial build-ups can lead to your mouth smelling like an old garbage disposal. And who’s going to want to kiss that?
3. To Avoid Pain. Bacteria left on and between teeth will convert sugars and carbohydrates from stray food particles into acids. Over time, these acids can wear away tooth enamel, form cavities and lead to toothaches, gum infections and other mouth problems that can cause everything from extreme discomfort to blinding pain.
4. To Keep Looking Like Your Gorgeous Self. Your upper and lower jaws define much of your appearance. Should poor oral hygiene cause you to lose teeth or lead to bone deterioration, your lower face can become distorted and your overall appearance may suffer accordingly.
5. To Keep Enjoying Your Favorite Foods. Even if you don’t lose teeth, the pain and discomfort associated with advanced tooth decay can make eating difficult. Solid foods can become hard to chew, and your mouth can become hyper-sensitive to extremes of hot and cold.
6 To Save Money. Semi-annual dental checkups and cleanings may seem expensive, but they’re bargains compared to the cost of fillings, crowns, root canal surgery, tissue grafts, dental implants or any of the other procedures necessary to deal with advanced tooth decay and gum disease.
7. To Stay Alive. Bad oral hygiene can kill you. Literally. Over the past decade, researchers have discovered that the inflammation associated with gingivitis (infected gums) can trigger immune system reactions that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Would you Like to Become a Dental Assistant?
Dental assistants are on the forefront in the never-ending war for good oral health. It’s a rapidly growing career field that can lead to a lifetime of challenges, rewards and both personal and professional satisfaction. For information on professional dental assistant training programs near you, contact Everest College today!
