7 Reasons To Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy

Not only do your teeth and gums allow you to eat, speak, and smile confidently, but did you know that keeping your teeth and gums healthy can also improve your immune system function and reduce your risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections?

Study has shown that when your teeth and gums are healthy, you tense to enjoy life and smile more. So in this blog post, I'll share with you seven reasons why it's important to keep your teeth and gums healthy, along with tips and tricks on how to maintain good oral health.

What Is Healthy Teeth And Why Is It Important?

According to Harvard School of Public Health, a healthy mouth must have no untreated tooth decay, lumps, ulcers, or unusual color on or under the tongue, cheeks, or gums. Your teeth should be firmly attached to the gums and bone, and it should not hurt to chew or brush your teeth.

In simple terms, healthy teeth are strong, white, and free of cavities and gum disease. They are also aligned properly in your mouth and should not hurt to chew or brush.

Why is having healthy teeth important?

Oral health plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being. Neglecting your teeth and gums can lead to various oral health problems and even impact your general health. Here are a few of the most important reasons:

• Appearance: A healthy smile is one of the most attractive features a person can have. It conveys confidence and makes your face look younger and more attractive.
• Digestion: Healthy teeth are also important for chewing food properly, help break foods down into smaller pieces that are easier for your body to digest.
• Speech: If your teeth are missing or hurt, it can be difficult to speak clearly. A healthy teeth help to support your tongue and lips, improve your airflow, and sound more correctly when talking.
• Self-Confidence: In addition to the physical benefits, having healthy teeth can also boost your self-esteem and confidence. When you feel good about your smile, you are more likely to smile often, which can make you more approachable and likable.
• Overall Health: Studies have shown that people with poor oral health are more likely to develop other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory infections, and you don't want any of that.
• Save Money: In addition to these benefits, having healthy teeth can also save you money in the long run. Dental care is expensive (especially when you don't have insurance), so by taking care of your teeth, you can prevent problems that require costly dental treatment.

Helpful Tip: The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay.

Summary: Healthy teeth are essential for overall health and well-being. It can improve your overall health, boost your confidence, make you feel more attractive, and even save you money in the long run.

Reason #1: Prevent Tooth Decay And Cavities

Fun Fact: According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States.

Tooth decay happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and produces acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. So, keeping your teeth healthy is the first step in preventing tooth decay.

Healthy teeth and gums can also help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer by removing plaque and tartar, which can harbor cancer-causing bacteria.

Helpful Tip: Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Summary: Tooth decay is a serious problem that can affect people of all ages. If tooth decay is not treated, it can lead to cavities, pain, infection, and even tooth loss. So by having healthy teeth and gum, you can prevent many unnecessary oral problems related to tooth decay and cavities.

Reason #2: Avoid Gum Disease

Fun Fact: According to Harvard Medical School, studies have shown that people with gum disease have 2 to 3 times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It can cause symptoms like swollen gums, bad breath, and even tooth loss.

By maintaining good oral health habits, you can prevent gum disease and its complications.

Helpful Tip: Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth and promote gum health.

Summary: Another reason to maintain healthy teeth and gums is to prevent gum disease. It is a serious health problem that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or other health problems.

Reason #3: Maintain Fresh Breath

Fun Fact: According to National Institutes of Health, people with gum disease are also more likely to develop respiratory infections such as pneumonia. This is because bacteria from the mouth can travel to the lungs and cause infection.

Bad breath can be embarrassing and affect your self-confidence. By practicing good oral hygiene and addressing any underlying dental issues, you can keep your breath smelling fresh and improve your overall oral health.

Helpful Tip: Clean your tongue regularly using a tongue scraper or with your toothbrush to remove bacteria that cause bad breath on your tongue. Also, remember to floss your teeth once a day to remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth.

Summary: When you have healthy teeth and gums, there is less buildup of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, which can help maintain fresher breath.

Reason #4: Preserve Your Natural Teeth

Fun Fact: When you chew, your brain understands how hard it needs to chew so you don't bite too hard. Sometimes, you just can't do that with artificial teeth.

Natural teeth are the best teeth because they function more naturally than artificial ones. You maintain the natural structure of your mouth and jaw, and you will have no worries about chewing food normally.

Having artificial teeth causes risks of bone loss and a lack of bite. When you lose a natural tooth, it can be difficult to replace it with a dental implant or other artificial teeth that function as well. This is because artificial teeth do not support your jawbone and can lead to bone loss over time. And make it difficult to chew food properly.

Helpful Tip: Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite on hard objects to prevent unnecessary damage, such as chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

Summary: By taking care of your oral health, you maintain your natural teeth, preserve the natural structure of your mouth and jaw, and allow you to chew food normally.

Reason #5: Improve Overall Health

Fun Fact: A study done by National Institutes of Health shows that improving oral health can help people live longer. The study found that people with tooth loss, dry mouth, and having three or more oral health problems were more likely to die than those who didn't.

Your mouth is home to a large number of bacteria, but most of these bacteria are harmless when your teeth and gum are healthy.

However, if your teeth and gums are unhealthy, the bacteria can multiply and cause infection. This can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to health diseases and other illnesses.

Here are some health effects of not having healthy teeth and gum:

• Risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Risk of diabetes.
• Risk of respiratory infections.
• Worsen your cognitive function.

In addition to these health disadvantages, not keeping your teeth and gums healthy can also lead to mental health problems because it can worsen your appearance and self-confidence.

Helpful Tip: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support both your oral and general health. Also, remember to avoid smoking or using tobacco products.

Summary: Not only do poor oral health is linked to many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and cognitive decline. It can also worsen your mental health. By keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you can contribute to better overall health and well-being.

Reason #6: Enhance Your Appearance

Fun Fact: When your teeth and gums are healthy, you're more likely to eat a healthy diet. This is because you can chew your food properly and enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Not only do healthy teeth and gums are essential for chewing food properly and speaking clearly, but they can also support your jawbone and help to maintain your facial appearance.

When your teeth are healthy white, and your gums are pink and healthy, you'll feel more confident and outgoing, resulting in a more healthy smile and a better appearance.

Helpful Tip: Consider professional teeth whitening treatments to enhance the brightness of your smile, or simply see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Summary: A healthy smile can have a significant impact on your appearance and self-confidence. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can prevent many unnecessary dental issues, maintain an attractive smile, and feel more confident in social settings.

Reason #7: Save Money In The Long Run

Fun Fact: According to Metro Smiles Dental, having healthy teeth saves you money. Dental procedures like implants are expensive and require additional visits to the dentist.

This sounds odd, but investing in preventive dental care, such as a better toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and flossing kit, can save you money on dental procedures in the long run.

Helpful Tip: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help identify and treat dental problems early on, when they are less expensive to treat. Consider dental insurance or a dental savings plan to help manage the costs of routine dental care.

Summary: Prevention is always better than treatment, both for your health and your wallet. By investing time and effort into maintaining good oral health, you can avoid costly dental procedures in the future. Additionally, if you have dental insurance, then be sure to use your benefits regularly.

Quick Takeaway

In conclusion, keeping healthy teeth can significantly impact your overall health and well-being. It allows you to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. Here are 7 reasons to keep your teeth and gum healthy:

• Reason #1: Prevent tooth decay and cavities
• Reason #2: Avoid gum disease
• Reason #3: Maintain fresh breath
• Reason #4: Preserve your natural teeth
• Reason #5: Improve overall health
• Reason #6: Enhance your appearance
• Reason #7: Save money in the long run

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: What are the best ways to keep my teeth and gums healthy?

Answer: According to the American Dental Association, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss once a day, and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings are some of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Question #2: What should I avoid to keep my teeth and gums healthy?

Answer: According to most dentists and our research, you should limit or avoid sugary food, smoking, and chewing on hard objects to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Question #3: What are some of the signs and symptoms of unhealthy teeth and gum disease?

Answer: Tooth decay, loose teeth, bad breath that won't go away red, swollen, or bleeding gums are signs and symptoms of unhealthy teeth and gum disease. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to see a dentist for treatment.