{"id":169,"date":"2019-10-28T18:40:46","date_gmt":"2019-10-28T18:40:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drbc.com\/blog\/?p=169"},"modified":"2023-08-22T17:44:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T17:44:00","slug":"dental-hygiene-october","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drbc.com\/blog\/2019\/10\/28\/dental-hygiene-october\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Your Smile Safe During National Dental Hygiene Month"},"content":{"rendered":"Most people agree that oral health is extremely important, but did you know that according to the World Dental Federation, almost half of the world\u2019s population (about 44%) suffers from untreated tooth decay? Chances are, you could be doing a better job of protecting your mouth<\/a> from cavities and gum disease. That\u2019s why this year, your dentist wants you to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month in October by taking another look at the care you give your pearly whites.\n\n\n

Why is Dental Hygiene So Important?<\/h2>\nYour mouth is under near constant attack by bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches you consume and produce acid as a result. Over time, if your bacteria levels aren\u2019t kept under control, your teeth could start to decay, allowing cavities to form. You could also suffer from gum disease, which is an infection of the soft tissues that hold your teeth in place. These oral health issues won\u2019t get better on their own; in fact, if ignored, they can become much more severe and may even result in tooth loss.\n\nFurthermore, health problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. For instance, a review<\/a> of existing research found that patients with gum disease have a 20% greater risk of suffering from heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. Other studies indicate a connection between oral health problems and diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s, respiratory infections, and other systemic health problems. Keeping your mouth healthy and clean is vital if you want to avoid these potentially life-threatening complications.\n

How Can You Practice Good Oral Hygiene at Home?<\/h2>\nYou can ask your dentist for tailor-made tips on taking better care of your teeth and gums, but in general you should:\n