Dentists report that people who consistently practice good oral hygiene come in with cleaner teeth and have fewer oral health problems than those who don't. Plaque, the sticky bacterial film formed in the mouth and fed by particles of food that aren't swallowed, can form and harden into tartar within 24 to 72 hours, according to Crest. Making sure that you're practicing good dental hygiene is more important than you might have thought at first. Let’s learn why.

Daily Brushing Clears Away Plaque Before It Can Become Tartar

It's usually said by dentists that you should be brushing and flossing twice a day. This isn't just a medical industry scam to sell more toothbrushes and floss! According to Cleveland Clinic, brushing and flossing twice a day clears out plaque before it has a chance to set up and begin to harden. The hardened plaque, also called tartar, is a major contributor to gingivitis and a related illness, periodontitis. Besides brushing your teeth and flossing, you should also make sure to brush your tongue. Your tongue can hold onto bacteria very tightly, which makes it hard to get it out with tooth brushing alone.

Good Oral Hygiene Protects Against Major Health Conditions

By brushing and flossing regularly and preventing gingivitis and periodontitis, you can eliminate risk factors for other serious health problems. Gingivitis and periodontitis are notable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke, endocarditis, a potentially fatal infection of your heart's inner lining, pneumonia, and pregnancy complications.

Poor Oral Hygiene Can Be a Tell for Some Conditions

Conversely, when you have poor oral hygiene, it can indicate that you're at risk for or have some health conditions. Dentists can't always recognize these, but they can point at their presence. Diabetes can directly cause tooth and gum problems by impacting the tissues that support them, while ADHD is an indirect cause by causing people to forget to perform oral hygiene tasks. Other oral hygiene problems can indicate the presence of Alzheimer's Disease or osteoporosis.

Your oral hygiene is your first line of defense against major health problems. Brushing and flossing twice a day and seeing your dentist twice a year will start you on your way. The good health of your teeth and gums is critical. Talk to our team at Family Dental Care at your next cleaning to find out more ways you can support your oral health.