Teeth are the mighty warriors of our body. Without them it would be pretty hard to chew that well done steak, eat those potato chips, and our smiles would definitely look awfully strange. Oral hygiene is incredibly important for our overall well being, and it all starts with the proper dental care.
Make your dentist proud
In the United States alone, an estimated 26% of adults ages 20-64 have untreated dental cavities. It is imperative to be thorough when taking care of your teeth! Brushing alone only cleans 70% of the surface of your teeth. Flossing is equally important, and floss picks are a handy option to help reach all those nooks and crannies that make up the other 30% of your mouth. And don’t forget your tongue! There are many tongue cleaning products on the market to help keep bacteria and bad breath at bay.
Easy does it
Wake up with headaches every morning? Chances are you are clenching your teeth while you sleep. An estimated 80% of all headaches occur from muscle tension due to tooth grinding with 10% of adults and 15% of children grinding their teeth while sleeping, according to the American Sleep Association. A report done at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine attests that clenching your teeth during sleep is equal to putting 300 lbs. of force on your teeth and mouth. An easy fix such as a using night mouth guards will prevent headaches and make you wake up with a smile.
Keep the bad guys away
Dynamite dental care will undoubtedly keep your pearly whites happy. Too many Americans are not vigilant with their oral hygiene as gingivitis and gum disease affect more than 75% of the United States population. Almost seven million American adults suffer from mild, moderate, or severe periodontists, the advanced form of periodontal disease. Be careful to treat your teeth as they deserve to be treated, a dentist will be happy to discuss oral care and gum health with you at your next appointment.
Don’t forget about the children!
It is a necessity to start proper dental care as soon as possible. When your child’s first tooth appears, it is time to schedule their first dentist appointment, and make sure to start flossing as soon as two teeth touch each other. Twenty percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 have untreated tooth decay, which is completely preventable. Grab a colored toothbrush and make it fun for them to brush their teeth morning and night!
Who knew teeth were such complex entities? Head to your dentist as soon as possible to ensure your chompers are happy and disease free. Go ahead and show the world your smile!