“Oral health” — what does that term mean to you? Perhaps it means no new cavities at your dental exam; a mouth free of pain or infections. To some, oral health means that their teeth work correctly — good function with no tenderness. And don’t forget a well-known test of oral health — a smile that brightens up the room!

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The truth is, oral health involves all of these and more. It includes every part of your mouth — the teeth, gums, tongue and everything in between. What might surprise you is how much effect your oral health has on your overall health!

Illnesses in the mouth that start small can quickly become complex, agonizing and costly — greatly affecting the rest of your body. Left untreated, for example, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, a serious form of gum inflammation that ends up in loose teeth that usually fall out. In turn, lost teeth result in a loss of bone and poor eating due to the inability to chew properly. Doctors even link severe gum inflammation to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

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The moral of the story: take care of your oral health now and avoid big complications later!

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Your Role: A Regular Routine

What is an effective program of home oral hygiene? It all begins by removing your teeth’s primary enemy: plaque.

Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacterial organisms that resides on your teeth. The microorganisms found in plaque lead to big complications, so it pays to eradicate it habitually. Brushing your teeth (at least) twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, combined with flossing at least once daily, considerably reduces the quantity of plaque on your teeth.

Good nutrition and a healthy life also play a large role. You don’t have any control over hereditary factors that affect the physiology of your mouth. But you do have control over:

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• How much sugar you consume (and when you consume it);

• The types of foods in your diet (for example, eating hard foods like apples and carrots increases bone density);

• How often you exercise;

• Whether or not you smoke;

• How regularly you see our Chico dentists.

Taking positive measures in these areas makes the biggest difference in experiencing good overall oral health.

 

How Our Chico Dentists Can Help

Do you usually wait until you have a painful difficulty before seeking out our Chico dentists? Remember that Yellowstone Family Dentistry is staffed with medical professionals whose goal is to help you prevent painful complications before they even happen.

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Through our regular exams, we clean the hard to reach plaque deposits that lead to tooth decay. We also check for indications of enamel wear, various infections, including gingivitis, and early indications of serious illnesses such as oral cancer. In addition, we’re available to answer all of your concerns and give advice as required.

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So when’s the last time you had a dental exam? Call us at (530) 895-3449 today or contact us through our website! We’re happy to help you take the needed steps for a healthy mouth — and a healthier future. In the meantime, browse our Oral Health section for more information about your own personal routine for keeping your mouth healthy.

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