What Lies Beneath

Imagine if the human eye were able to see microorganisms like germs. You could watch them grow and spread like wildfire right in front of you or on you! As intriguing as it may sound, it probably won’t be something you want to see. Unfortunately, because we can’t actually see germs, we often neglect proper hygiene as a result, and it leads to an overgrowth in bacteria which poses significant risks to our health. Practicing oral hygiene is part of the habits we learn when we are kids. If it wasn’t emphasized in your daily routine while you were growing up, you probably won’t care for it much when you’re an adult. Creating good habits is a fundamental structure to ensure you take proper care of yourself as a child and as an adult. Our mouths are constantly subjected to germs and make the perfect breeding ground with warm and moist conditions. Our mouths are also the main entry point for disease and illness, making proper oral hygiene that much more important. Indeed, dirty teeth, bad breath, tartar build-up and infections are not considered attractive qualities, and people may start to avoid you if your lack of hygiene disturbs them. Ottawa dental hygiene makes sure your mouth is clean and fresh so you can smile with confidence.

Why Is Dental Hygiene Important?

You may not know this, but your oral health says alot about your overall health and the two are connected. Although most of the bacteria in your mouth are harmless, your mouth is the entry point to your digestive system and respiratory tract, and the bacteria may cause disease. The body’s natural defences against bacteria usually keep bacteria under control, but without proper oral hygiene, bacteria grows and causes infection such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, your oral health may contribute to other diseases and conditions, like:

• Endocarditis – commonly occurs when bacteria or germs from other parts of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the bloodstream and infect the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.
• Pregnancy and birth complications – periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
• Pneumonia – bacteria from your mouth may be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Your overall health starts with practicing good oral hygiene. After all, what you put in is what you get out.

Boost In Self Confidence

There’s no denying the positive effect good oral hygiene has on your confidence and self-esteem. Clean teeth and fresh breath motivate you to smile more, and when you smile more, your brain releases molecules called neuropeptides that fight the signs of stress, as well as other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, which act as a mild pain reliever and help to fight depression. Besides the positive impact smiling has on you, everyone around you also benefits from seeing a happy face, and it becomes a contagious sensation, spreading joy to people wherever you go.

Scary Truths About Your Toothbrush

If you think your toothbrush is squeaky clean, think again. The truth is, up to 1.2 million bacteria are found on a single toothbrush. Thankfully, our bodies are exposed to bacteria every day and can fend them off to prevent us from getting sick. Although the thought of a bacteria ecosystem thriving on your toothbrush may be cringy, there are just as many bacteria in our mouths. The important thing is to properly rinse your toothbrush before and after each use, store it upright to air dry and replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Practicing good oral hygiene keeps your mouth and overall health in excellent condition and helps to protect you from possible illness and disease. Ensure you brush and floss at least twice a day and rinse with an oral hygiene product that contains fluoride and anti-bacterial agents.

Ottawa dental hygiene helps you fight the causes of tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Call us today to make an appointment.