happy little girl and her mom laughing enjoying benefits of great oral health

We can talk about why you should take great care of your teeth until we’re blue in the face. But motivating your brushing and flossing may require more than just hearing about why plaque is a bad guy. Instead, take a look at some concrete ways that superb oral health allows patients to lead the best possible lives. You stand to gain so much from stepping up your dental care – and we’re here to help you along the way. Check out the benefits below, and then schedule your next teeth cleaning!

Why Healthy Teeth are the Best Investment

They Save You Money

Our teeth might seem strong, but they’re not totally indestructible. Without proper care, you could face the need for restorative dental work, periodontal treatment, tooth replacement, and more. Those procedures aren’t just expensive, they’re time-consuming. And for patients with dental anxiety, the need to undergo complex treatments puts them into a negative feedback loop. They may be even more likely to stay away from the office and skip dental exams because they’re stressed by treatment they received after another period of dental inattention.

Today’s generations are living longer than ever. Older adults should take greater care with their teeth to ensure that they last those additional decades. We’re now living an estimated 34 years longer than our grandparents, enjoying almost 2 entire adult lifetimes. By protecting our teeth today, we can make sure those years are comfortable, healthy, and happy. And by receiving dental exams twice yearly, you save on big costs associated with full mouth reconstruction. Make each day count in the investment toward oral health!

Your Smile Lasts for Life

Your smile is a crucial part of who you are – and its appearance is vital to your personal success. Not only do others make snap judgements about you based on your teeth, but you feel differently about yourself based on its structure. It’s always easier to prevent health problems than repair the damage done by disease. If you take daily steps to preserve your grin, you’ll be enjoying your pearly whites for years to come. Make sure the message that your smile sends is a positive one!

Your Self Confidence Improves

Appearances aren’t everything, but they are pretty important. With the way others view your teeth, and the connection between smile and self esteem, your smile plays a big role in determining your confidence. If you’ve been looking for a way to get a leg up at work, or if you’re dating and forming new relationships, paying attention to your teeth could make a big difference. And with confidence being such a tough element to come by, taking simple steps toward a healthy, beautiful smile is a wise decision.

You Have a Better Chance at Comfortable Daily Life

Without good oral health, you’re likely to experience dental problems like cavities and periodontal disease. This weakens your tooth function and makes daily activities like chewing, speaking, and smiling more difficult. Without the ability to chew comfortably, it’s also harder to get well-rounded nutrients because eating fresh produce is painful or impossible. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy will help you continue to enjoy the normal use of your teeth and jaws. Plus, you avoid the stress and irritability that come along with chronic pain.

You Reduce Your Risk of Some Serious Health Conditions

More and more studies are showing a potential connection between poor oral hygiene or gum disease and a wide range of systemic health problems. Research has shown links between oral health and the following:

  • Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Respiratory disease
  • Some cancers (pancreatic, blood, kidney)

Preventing dental problems isn’t going to make you immune to these conditions, but it may play a role in staying healthy. Take this opportunity to keep your teeth, gums, and entire body in top condition.

How to Get Your Teeth in Stunning Shape

  • Schedule dental exams twice yearly – It sounds simple, but it accomplishes so much. Regular appointments will keep you abreast of any dental problems before they develop into big issues. If you have a high risk of gum disease, Dr. Barton may want to see you more often – just ask about a recommended exam interval at your next appointment.
  • Brush and floss correctly – You should brush and floss thoroughly but gently, at least 2x a day for brushing and 1x a day for flossing. Read up on effective oral hygiene techniques to make sure your cleaning is on point. You may also benefit from trying new products or a new type of toothbrush – ask us for product recommendations that fit your needs.
  • Get a healthy diet – You should get a well-rounded diet with a variety of nutrients, that is low in sugar and high in many different vitamins, calcium, and protein.
  • Protect your teeth from damage – If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a mouthguard to protect your enamel and your jaw joints.
  • Keep an eye on your smile – You know your teeth better than anyone. If something about your teeth or gums seems like it’s changing, react quickly (and check in with us).
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