A Healthy Smile Is Good Style

CEBU, Philippines — Most people think of oral hygiene as cosmetic. For example, they brush and floss regularly for white teeth. It also helps in keeping their breath fresh – and gives them the confidence to smile.

A smile instantly communicates friendliness. It is synonymous with good nature, which easily captures others’ trust and goodwill. That’s why politicians always wear big smiles in their campaign photos. 

And yet, proper oral hygiene is more than having clean teeth and fresh breath – it is actually one of the best ways to help maintain good overall health.

The teeth are the first step in the digestive process – they work to chew the food! And so there’s more reason to practice good oral hygiene habits to keep the teeth healthy and strong to perform their function. Healthy teeth are more durable; they last much longer.

There’s piling scientific evidence that links having clean, well-cared for teeth to total physical health. Unhealthy teeth are often painful and loose, making it less likely for the person to eat fresh, vitamin-rich foods. Thus, the person’s health will expectedly deteriorate. Chewing problems can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

Women with gum disease show a greater incidence of pre-term, low-birth-weight babies. People with poor oral hygiene show an increased risk of developing heart disease. Infections of the mouth pose serious risks to other major organs of the body.

Many studies have found that the health of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. For example, when a person’s mouth is healthy, chances are his overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if he has poor oral health, he may have other health problems.

It is said that 90 percent of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Such diseases include diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Good oral hygiene is the surest way to keep the mouth, teeth and gums healthy. But it doesn’t only mean brushing the teeth once a day. Dentists recommend brushing thoroughly at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and using a mouthwash to help kill germs (although it isn’t compulsorily necessary). They also strongly advise advice against smoking.

Regular visits to the dentist are important – at least every six months and sooner in case of pain, discomfort or injuries to the mouth. While people may look after their teeth by themselves on the day-to-day, the dentist is trained to look after the teeth and bone structure as a whole. He or she is a professional in spotting problem areas and treating any issues early on, before these become more serious.

Dentists are not only for arresting oral problems. They can help a lot in precluding problems, in the first place. They can suggest ways to improve oral care techniques between their clients’ visits.

It is an attractive person who has a healthy smile. It turns out, therefore, that a healthy smile is also good style. Proper oral hygiene works for both health… and beauty.