In a previous blog, we discussed how dental health is entirely up to you. The decisions you make day in and day out will play a huge role in your oral health. Yet, many people still neglect taking care of their teeth. They don’t floss, the “forget” to brush twice a day, and they do not make a concerted effort to choose healthy foods and beverages to promote oral health. That is their choice, and the consequences will ultimately fall on them. But before you jump on the bandwagon of minimalist oral health, let’s discuss why a healthy smile is so important.

Healthy teeth play an essential role in your everyday life. They help you chew your food so it is easily swallowed and digested, they help you speak clearly, and they also give your face its shape. You probably take for granted how vital a role your teeth play, but just imagine trying to eat, speak, or smile without your teeth. Not only would it be difficult, but your entire life would be impacted.

Like it or not, many social constraints are placed on the appearance of your smile. While it is not always considered a necessity to have a perfect “Hollywood” smile, you will typically be judged by your smile’s health. Stained, rotting teeth are unpleasant to look at. A lackluster smile can cost you a job opportunity, a promotion, or even a date.

Something even more crucial to consider beyond societal acceptance is that the health of your mouth is a huge indicator of the health of your entire body. Gum disease is caused by an overabundance of oral bacteria infecting the gum lines. Every day, there are millions of oral bacteria within your mouth. If you are not intentional about flossing and brushing, then these oral bacteria will cause major issues. Irritated gums allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream. This infiltration produces a protein that causes the blood to thicken. Blood clots are more likely to form, and the heart will not get the nutrients and oxygen it needs, resulting in an increased risk of a heart attack. Diabetes, kidney failure, stroke, miscarriage, pre-term labor, and low birth weight babies can all be directly linked to gum disease.

As you can see, a healthy smile is a very big deal. Before you go to bed without brushing, before you skip flossing your teeth, and before you drink that next soda, think about the impact that those will have on your smile. At Just Brush My Teeth, we encourage you to make the wise decision and put your smile first. Book an appointment today!