The health of your mouth is important – probably more important than you realize. Good habits can improve your oral health, and can also improve your overall health as well. The bottom line is simple: visiting your dentist serving Manahawkin is a big deal to your overall well being!

In fact, there is strong scientific evidence that your oral health can have a direct role in the health of your entire body. It’s true! Read the following and you’ll see how.

Your Habits When It Comes To Oral Health Can Affect Your Weight

It’s a scientifically proven fact: a good oral hygiene routine can have an impact on your weight. It’s true! You see, brushing your teeth signals your brain that you are finished eating. Try it yourself and see what happens. Your will have a suppressed appetite. In other words, break out that tooth brush! The folks at your dentist office near Manahawkin will be glad about it, too.

You’ll Look Better Than Ever

If we’re honest with ourselves, we all want to look as good as we can. Your mouth is an important part of that, since your eyes and smile are the first two things people notice.  So with that in mind, good oral hygiene is not just important for your health, it helps you look and feel better than ever. A bright smile can boost your confidence, and that is priceless.

Oral Infections Often Spread

When you have gum disease it can lead to oral infections, and those infections can spread to other parts of your body. They can worsen digestive issues, spread to the heart and result in bacterial endocarditis, and more. This is why some diseases can be diagnosed by symptoms in your mouth. Some of them include heart disease, diabetes, leukemia, and kidney disease.

The Link between Gum Disease And Diabetes

Your dentist serving Manahawkin knows that people suffering from diabetes are more prone to gum disease. We also now know that the link may go in the other direction. In other words, gum disease may contribute to diabetes by impacting blood glucose control. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the bacteria associated with gum disease produces toxins that can increase insulin resistance and, as a result, blood glucose levels.

Bad Oral Health Can Affect Your Pregnancy

Pregnant women already know they’re eating for two. What they might not know is that bad oral health can affect their baby. Doctors have linked periodontitis to low birth weight and premature birth. Good reason to maintain a healthy mouth!

What all this means is simple: it’s a good idea to take good care of your mouth, because it can have a major impact on your overall health! Ask your dentists near Manahawkin for more information on how your healthy and oral hygiene are linked so you can learn how good habits can benefit you.

In the meantime, happy brushing, eat the right foods, and of course, don’t forget to floss! That will get you off to a great start!

Toothpaste is one of the most important tools in your oral health arsenal!  But keep in mind that your Ocean County dentist will tell you that you have to choose the right type of toothpaste if you want your brushing to be as effective as it can be.

Wait, there can be a right and wrong kind of toothpaste? Actually, yes! You really can use the wrong type of toothpaste!

The fact is, not all toothpastes are made to work the same. They can be designed to address many different dental needs, depending on whatever the folks at your dental office serving Manahawkin tell you you should address first. An essential part of making good decisions about your oral care is knowing which toothpastes are the right choices for your family.

Experts in dentistry near Manahawkin will suggest you follow these five tips when making a choice:

1) Fluoride!

Don’t make the mistake of thinking every toothpaste contains fluoride. They don’t! Some “natural” toothpaste brands are free of fluoride. These are good for very young children under the age of six – fluoride can actually discolor teeth in young children – but once they are older, follow the recommendation of your dental office serving Manahawkin and use a toothpaste with fluoride. It’s one of the most vital ways in which brushing can help you battle cavities.

2) Whitening!

Whitening toothpastes are bigger than ever and easily available. But do you need one? They are fine options that might help slow down staining, but don’t expect dramatic results. They might be able to lighten your teeth by up to a shade, though even that would be a great result. The truth is, if you have sensitive teeth you should not use whitening toothpastes because they have chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive.

3) Who’s Using It?

Remember that there are toothpastes made specifically for adults, and there are toothpastes made specifically for children. Always read labels carefully so you understand who the intended user is. For further advice, an a dentist in Ocean County for their input. Remember that a brand of toothpaste may not be suitable for the whole family!

4) ADA Approval!

Look for the American Dental Association seal of acceptance on your toothpaste. Any brand that is proven to be safe and effective will have that logo. It doesn’t matter the style you choose – whitening, all natural, baking soda, and others – if it doesn’t have the seal of approval by the ADA, take a pass. Your dentist near Manahawkin will give you the same advice.

5) Chronic Dental Problems?

Be sure to inform your dentist serving Manahawkin if you have chronic tooth problems that you are feeling on a regular basis. Pain, temperature sensitivity, and other chronic maladies are a sign there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. You may be surprised to learn that your dentist may even be able to suggest a new type of toothpaste to help with your symptoms, such as desensitizing toothpaste.

Ready to start brushing? They get in the bathroom and do it, then visit your dental office near Manahawkin for a check up to see how well your teeth are doing.