(Newswire.net — August 15, 2019) — If you feel some amount of reluctance or outright fear at the thought of the dental chair, you are definitely in good company.
Recent studies indicate as many as 61 percent of adults suffer from dental fear. For approximately four percent of these, the fear is sufficient that they have never been seen by a dentist!
Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that staying away from the dentist is going to automatically translate to perfect teeth and optimal oral health. In fact, having regular preventative dental care is important to catch small issues before they become big issues.
But there is so much you can do between routine checkups to reduce and even avoid spending any extra time in the dental chair. In this article, learn about all the benefits of good oral hygiene and specific tips to avoid the stress of the dental chair!
What Are the Benefits of Good Dental Hygiene?
When you take some extra time each day to maintain your teeth and gums, you get benefits on all levels – physical, mental and financial.
1. Physical benefits
Did you know that the health of your mouth is considered an indication of the overall health of your whole body?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), issues such as periodontitis that begin in the mouth can later lead to health issues throughout the body. The reason is because the same bacteria that can cause tooth and gum disease can also impact the heart, the blood and the immune system.
There is also research data supporting a link between gum disease and cancer, which is just further indication of how important it is to take a preventative approach to oral hygiene and health.
When you take the time every day to maintain healthy teeth and gums, you reap the rewards in a reduced risk of infection, disease and cancer. Your gums don’t bleed; your teeth don’t hurt; you can chew and enjoy your food with ease and you can put your full focus on living your life rather than visiting your dentist for treatment.
2. Mental benefits.
According to recent surveys, tooth whitening as a cosmetic service represents a $3.2 billion dollar a year revenue stream for the oral care industry.
But have you ever wondered why teeth whitening is so wildly popular today? As it turns out, these surveys also reveal that people with whiter smiles are perceived as more attractive, which can be a vital component of getting that next job promotion or winning an attractive partner.
In the same way, straight, even teeth confidently displayed can send a message to others that we have a lot to offer and are worth taking a chance on.
So ultimately, when you take the extra time to brush, do water flossing and rinse with antiseptic mouthwash every day, you go out to face the world wearing your best and brightest smile, which in turn attracts the world to smile back at you.
And no discussion about mental and relationship benefits of good oral hygiene would be complete without talking about breath. Did you know that a full 63 percent of people report avoiding certain colleagues because they have stinky breath?
You definitely don’t want that to be you!
But just as poor oral hygiene pretty much guarantees bad breath, so too will good dental hygiene improve your breath. Instead of repelling potential new friends, dates, mates and collaborators, you can use good oral hygiene habits to draw people to you, which improves both your overall health and your quality of life and happiness.
3. Financial benefits.
While there is no doubt that sweeping changes in American healthcare have made visiting the doctor more affordable for many people, these changes are less obvious in the field of dental medicine.
One recent report highlighted the overall cost of dental care versus other types of medical care. This report showed that many people still avoid going to the dentist for financial reasons, even when they really need treatment.
This is a problem that gets further exacerbated because so many people still don’t have healthcare coverage for dental care. Paying out of pocket for something as simple as a cleaning can easily cost $100 or more.
When you take time to brush, water floss and rinse with mouthwash daily, you automatically reduce the risk of having to visit the dentist for cavities, root canals, gum disease and other common yet quite costly treatments.
This keeps more money in your pocket, which in turn reduces your stress and frees you up to spend or save for other important life goals.
Tips to Avoid Having to Visit the Dentist
Even people who don’t fear dental visits probably don’t especially enjoy having dental care. Now you know more about the many benefits that come from taking time daily to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy and clean.
Now let’s take a look at specific tips to maximize your at-home dental hygiene ritual.
Brushing and flossing are arguably the most vital daily hygiene activities your teeth and gums need to stay healthy.
Brushing.
Brushing is best done with a softer bristle brush that won’t abrade your gums too much. Rather than trying to brush too hard, you can use a fluoride toothpaste to remove the bacteria and build-up.
You may also find you prefer a motorized or electric toothbrush that can brush and clean each tooth evenly, even the ones in the back that are harder to reach.
For on-the-go brushing, you may enjoy the disposable brushes that allow you to slip in a quick brush after lunch and before your next meeting or appointment.
Flossing.
Today we have so many different options for flossing teeth. Standard dental floss is a great choice when you are out and about and just need to nip a stray bit of food from between your teeth.
When at home, water flossing is considered a gold standard to loosen plaque, food and buildup easily and quickly. Unlike traditional dental floss, water flossers are gentle on teeth and gums but can also reach into areas where regular floss can’t go.
Water flossers are frequently recommended for use with crowns, bridges or implants. This gentler yet more thorough method of flossing helps guard against accidental damage to these prosthetics.
Best of all, water flossing can help you with deep cleaning in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
By following these brushing and flossing tips, you can avoid the stress of visiting the dentist outside of regular routine care.