Good oral health is critical to preventing all sorts of health issues in the future that can be both expensive and painful. It’s why the ADHA (American Dental Hygienists Association) designated the month of October as National Dental Hygiene Month. The following is a brief overview of the importance of oral preventative maintenance and a few tips on how to maintain your health.

The Importance of Oral Health

Studies show that people in California – and the United States as a whole – don’t take good enough care of their teeth. An estimated 25% of adults in the United States have cavities that need to be treated, while almost 50% of United States adults 30 and over have signs of gum disease. 

When issues like these are left untreated, they can result in tooth loss, infection, and chronic disease. It’s important to mention that your oral health can also be linked to things like diabetes and heart disease. These oral issues can be avoided with preventative maintenance.

Oral Health Maintenance Tips

An estimated 40% of children experience tooth decay by the time they turn five. It’s crucial that you teach children good oral habits that they should practice every day. The following are a few tips to share with your children and which you should follow yourself:

• Brush your teeth more – As simple as this is, many people don’t brush enough. You should brush your teeth two times a day for at least two minutes each time.
  
• Brush your teeth properly – You should use your brush at a 45-degree angle for maximum coverage. Be gentle when moving the toothbrush and cover every surface of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well.
  
• Floss every day – Flossing helps ensure that you remove food particles stuck between your teeth. Doing so daily can help remove plaque, thereby preventing gum disease and cavities.
  
• Rinse with mouthwash – Mouthwash helps kill bad bacteria in areas that your brush couldn’t reach or cover.

Maintain Your Oral Health

You can prevent cavities, disease, and other issues via preventative oral maintenance. For more health advice, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store in California.