The Importance of Dental Health
Our dental health is extremely important. Believe it or not, it is often an indicator of our overall health and wellbeing. Larger health problems often show up initially in our mouths, and our dental hygiene can have a significant impact on our health in other parts of our bodies.
There are many, many bacteria that live in our mouth, and they are usually harmless or even beneficial to us. Proper brushing, flossing, and water intake help keep our mouth bacteria under control. However, poor oral health and hygiene can lead to a variety of other problems. Bacteria can overgrow in our mouths, causing inflammation, and eventually, if left unchecked, cause periodontal or gum disease. Harmful bacteria from our mouths can migrate through our bloodstream into other organs. Studies have shown that peridontitis, or inflammation of the gums, is linked to a number of other health conditions, such as:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Stroke
Birth/pregnancy complications
Therefore, it is very important for people to take proper care of their teeth, and visit the dentist regularly to catch any potential problems early on. Some ways to take care of our teeth and prevent gum disease include:
Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially at night
Flossing every day
Replacing toothbrush every 3 months
Drinking at least 64 oz of water per day
Eating a healthy diet and avoiding sugary, processed foods
Avoiding smoking or other tobacco use
Educating people on how to care for their mouths is a key step in helping people lead healthier lives. Dentists and dental assistants are a crucial part of this process. As a dental assistant, it will be your responsibility to provide care and education to patients. After completing a dental assistant certification program like ours here at Oasis, you will be an expert in dental hygiene, and you will be able to relay important health information to patients. Dental health is extremely important to overall health, and dental assistants have an important role to play in the dental health of their communities.
Sources: ADA, MayoClinic.com
