Dentist in Torrance Emphasizes Oral, Systemic Health Link

Most of us do our best to stay healthy — we try to eat well enough and get plenty of sleep every night. Unfortunately, by ignoring oral hygiene, many adults leave off one of the most important aspects of general health without even realizing it. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy body, and that means regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist in Torrance are crucial. Keep reading to find out more about why.

Larger Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene

People who practice good hygiene reduce their risk of cavities and infection and are more likely to be in good overall health, too. Periodontal (gum) disease, which is highly preventable with good oral hygiene, has an especially significant affect on overall health, as one inflammatory disease is likely to cause another one to develop elsewhere in the body. Research consistently shows that gum disease is closely linked to heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm birth and low birthweight, and a number of other health conditions.

Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning is the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. During this routine appointment, we will remove the plaque and tartar that cause these issues and catch (and treat) any problems almost as soon as they develop.

Consider Your Diet, Too

Maintaining a nutritious, low-sugar diet helps prevent the buildup of bad bacteria in your mouth for healthier teeth and gums. Alternately, items like soda, candy, and simple carbohydrates combine with the bacteria that is naturally present in your mouth to create acids that weaken the tooth enamel and cause gum disease.

Consider upping your intake of the following foods for better smile health.

• Yogurt and kefir, which contain calcium and vitamin D that strengthens the tooth enamel.  
• Citrus, like grapefruits and oranges, promotes collagen growth for better gum health.
• Whole grains over refined grains, which affect the pH balance of your saliva and leave you at a higher risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Nuts, like almonds and walnuts, naturally scrub away plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth.
• Water promotes saliva flow to wash away food particles and bacteria.

How To Improve Your Oral Hygiene Habits

The basics of good oral hygiene are clear: brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months. But are you really adhering to these practices? Many adults don’t, to the peril of their oral health and systemic wellbeing. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips to help you improve your oral hygiene.

• Set a timer to ensure you reach the two minute mark each time you brush. Or better yet, invest in an electric toothbrush, which should come with an automatic timer.
• Try adding some exercises to your toothbrushing routine. 2 minutes of squats or calf raises can make the time go by faster while also building your strength.
• Keep track of how often you manage to floss on a calendar. Marking off the days creates visual progress that can help you develop a flossing habit.

Come See the Dentist in 90505

When was the last time you checked in with your dentist? Ignoring routine visits puts your overall health at risk. If it’s been longer than six months since you’ve opened wide, request an appointment at Blue Coast Dental Group today! Dr. Hamzehpour is the general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist Torrance trusts.