Are you doing everything you can to keep your smile healthy? Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of 
diseases and other problems. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out on a regular basis to enable prevention of diseases. Dr. Jose Arauz is one of the world's finest dentists. His dental practice is located in Jacksonville, NC. Here are five reasons why good oral hygiene is important.
1. Prevent Bad Breath
Bad breath is characterized by an unpleasant odor of the mouth. Bad breath can be caused by poor dental health habits, certain foods, dry mouth, smoking, gum disease, and medical conditions. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, as bacteria that builds up in your mouth is the main culprit.
2. Prevent Cavities
The bacteria in dental plaque cause dental cavities if it is not removed regularly. Cavity prevention starts at home. You can prevent cavities by taking charge of your oral hygiene at home. If you brush twice a day, floss regularly, and rinse with a mouth rinse, you can prevent cavities.
3. Prevent Gum Disease
Good oral hygiene can help prevent periodontal disease, also called gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth. Gum disease can lead to major issues if it's left untreated. Advanced gum disease can erode your jawbone, destroy your gums, and lead to loss of teeth.
4. Prevent Tooth Loss
Bad dental hygiene can lead to tooth loss. Tooth loss is a process in which a tooth comes loose and falls out. Tooth loss can have serious emotional and psychological consequences, impacting your self-esteem and quality of life. Regular visits to your Jacksonville, NC, dentist and good dental hygiene can help you keep your teeth as you get older.
5. Maintain Overall Health
A healthy mouth is good for your body. People with good oral hygiene have a lower risk of serious health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, heart attack, and stroke. Bad oral hygiene can also affect the brain. Substances that are released from gums inflamed by infection can destroy brain cells and lead to memory loss.
Regular visits to a dentist will get you on the road to good oral health. To keep your oral health on track, call our dental office at (910) 577-1315 to schedule a dental appointment in Jacksonville, NC. You're on your way to a healthy smile!