A bright, beautiful smile can be your biggest asset, but only if you have healthy teeth to show for it. While your smile may seem like the only thing that can benefit from good oral health, the truth is that healthy teeth are a doorway into your overall health. When you have healthy teeth, you’re likely healthy all over the rest of your body! Having good oral health is so much more than just a great smile.

Here are some of the most significant benefits of maintaining your oral hygiene and the importance of a healthy smile: 

• Healthy Teeth and Gums. Brushing your teeth twice a day, maintaining a low-sugar diet, and regularly visiting your dentist will keep your teeth and gums healthy for your entire life. This will prevent tooth loss from tooth decay or gum disease, which are preventable. Remember how important your teeth are for everyday life: they help you eat, chew, swallow, and even breathe!
• Reduces Risk of Disease. Gum disease can cause several health problems, including blood clots, diabetes, and inflammation of blood vessels. When blood clots form, your heart is less likely to get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Similarly, with inflamed blood vessels, your brain cannot get an adequate blood supply, leading to a possible stroke. All these risks are preventable with good dental hygiene!
• Reduces Risk of Cancer and Dementia. Studies show that women between the ages of 54-86 years old with a history of gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer, with 1 in 3 women of this percentage developing breast cancer. The same study also showed an increased lung, gall bladder, and skin cancer risk. People with healthy gums are also 70% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Increases Chances of a Healthy Baby. There is about a 25% chance that pregnant women with gum disease will give birth before 35 weeks, resulting in a premature baby at an extremely low weight. Similarly, women with unhealthy gums are about three times more likely to give birth to a premature baby than women with healthy gums.
• Increases Confidence. Good oral health can lead to a beautiful smile and an overall brighter physical appearance, leading to an increased amount of self-confidence. When you look good, you feel good! Healthy teeth can also prevent bad breath, another critical factor that affects many people’s confidence.

Trust Walden Square Dental to take care of your oral health! Our dedicated team of dentists and dental hygienists is highly trained to care for your teeth, providing various dental services to fit your needs. We believe every dental visit should be welcoming and comfortable, and we work hard to earn your trust. Visit our website, message us, or call us at 847-223-0110 to schedule an appointment today!

Sources:

https://www.dentalhealth.org/healthysmile
https://www.samaritandentalarts.com/blog/importance-of-healthy-smile/
https://anthonymartindentistry.com/healthy-smile-healthy-importance-good-oral-health/