It’s no secret that good oral hygiene is essential for overall health. That’s why brushing and flossing daily and seeing a dentist regularly are imperative. This is something that people may be reminded of constantly, but it’s worth repeating.
Good thing that a lot of Americans are staying adherent to their oral health routines. According to statistics, about 70% of Americans in 2018 aged two years and over reported that they visited a dentist in the past 12 months. That’s an increase from previous years, which is encouraging.
Most of these people may have less something to worry about because they take dentist appointments seriously. However, what a lot of people may not realize is that good oral hygiene can also have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life. It’s not just about keeping the teeth and gums healthy; it’s also about feeling good and looking good.
Let’s look at how good oral hygiene and health can increase a person’s quality of life.
1. It can boost confidence
Good oral hygiene and health should not be underestimated. It can significantly impact someone’s quality of life by boosting their confidence. This is because poor oral hygiene can lead to bad breath, which can be a significant source of embarrassment.
In addition, it can also cause gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, by maintaining good oral hygiene and health, individuals can avoid these problems and feel more confident in social situations.
Furthermore, good oral hygiene and health can also improve someone’s overall health by preventing the spread of bacteria. This is because the mouth is a common entry point for bacteria, which can cause infections if they are not removed promptly.
2. It can improve someone’s appearance
In addition to boosting confidence, good oral hygiene and health can also improve someone’s appearance. This is because poor oral hygiene can lead to yellowing of the teeth, which can make a person look older.
With the advent of technological advancements in oral care, it is now possible to achieve good oral hygiene and health. Take dental implant technology, for example. It can improve someone’s appearance by filling in gaps caused by tooth loss. That’s something that may not have been possible a few years ago. Having improved their appearance, people who have had dental implants are now more confident in social situations.
In other words, good oral hygiene and health can help individuals look their best, which can, in turn, increase their quality of life.
3. It can restore health
Good oral hygiene and health can also restore a person’s health. This is because poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can cause inflammation and infection. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, a severe condition that can damage the mouth’s gums, bones, and other tissues.
However, with proper treatment, people can reverse gum disease, and dentists can restore a person’s oral health. Good oral health and hygiene can play a vital role in a person’s overall health, which should not be underestimated.
Therefore, good oral hygiene and health can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Restoring someone’s health can help them feel better and improve their overall well-being.
4. It can save money in the long run
The high cost of oral diseases is a significant burden on patients, families, and society. In the United States, the total direct and indirect cost of oral diseases is estimated to be more than $130 billion per year. This includes the cost of oral care, lost productivity, and long-term disability.
Good oral hygiene and health can help reduce these costs by preventing oral diseases from developing in the first place. For example, regular brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
In addition, good oral hygiene and health can also help reduce the risk of other conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. This is because poor oral hygiene can lead to the build-up of plaque, which can harden and narrow the arteries. This can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, good oral hygiene and health can save individuals a lot of money in the long run by preventing these costly diseases from developing.
5. It can reduce stress
The burden of dealing with stressful events caused by oral diseases can be significant. For example, the pain and discomfort of oral caries can lead to missed work days and productivity loss. In addition, the psychological impact of tooth loss can be devastating, leading to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
Good oral hygiene and health can help reduce stress by preventing these conditions from developing in the first place. For instance, regular brushing and flossing can help prevent oral cavities. In addition, good oral hygiene can also help prevent gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
In conclusion, good oral hygiene and health aren’t just important for what it is per se. It can also have a significant impact on someone’s quality of life. From improving the appearance and restoring health to saving money and reducing stress, good oral hygiene and health can make a big difference in someone’s life.
