Holistic dentist in Tucson, AZ explains why good dental hygiene is important

Posted By Dr. Jeanne Anne Krizman

Why Good Dental Hygiene is Important in Tucson, AZ area

With today’s hectic schedules, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself between work and home duties. However, good oral hygiene is very important not only for the health of your teeth and gums, but also for your whole-body wellness. At Tucson Biological Dentistry, Dr. Jeanne Krizman is a holistic dentist, which means that she provides integrative dental care that treats the whole person, not just their oral health symptoms.

Effects of oral hygiene on your teeth and gums

Most people know that they need to brush their teeth every day, if only to help freshen their breath. But flossing is unfortunately done less frequently – we have all heard the jokes friends make when they are seeing their dentist, and therefore need to break out the floss that has been sitting in their cabinet! The truth is that flossing is just as important for keeping your teeth and gums free from disease-causing bacteria and plaque. When the crevices between your teeth are not properly cleaned or you don’t brush your teeth often enough, the foods and beverages you consume leave debris behind on your teeth that oral bacteria thrive on. As bacteria grow, they secrete acids that help form a sticky plaque on your teeth. When this plaque accumulates at the gum line, it can cause gum disease, and when it sticks in the nooks and crannies of your teeth, it can cause tooth decay.

While we have effective and biocompatible methods for treating decay in teeth, the time and costs can add up for you as a patient and over time, can weaken your natural tooth and increase the chances of the need for more extensive restorations in the future, or even tooth extraction.

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Gum disease is extremely common—in fact, it is estimated that over half of the adults in the United States have some form of it. But even though many people have it, it is not a trivial issue. Gum disease can cause several issues for your oral health, including:

Red and inflamed gums
Bleeding gums
Gum recession
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
Jawbone deterioration

How oral hygiene affects the rest of your body

At Tucson Biological Dentistry, we like to say that your oral health is a window to your overall health, and for good reason. Research in recent years has shown that oral diseases, and gum disease, have negative effects on the rest of your body. It can even lead to potentially fatal conditions such as:

Heart attacks and heart disease
Strokes
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Arthritis
Some types of cancers

While the cause for the link is not entirely understood yet, it is generally agreed upon that the bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease and tooth decay are important contributing factors.

Tips for taking good care of your mouth

There are multiple steps you can take daily to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Brush your teeth after every meal, or at least two times per day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a high-quality toothpaste
When you brush, make sure you use the proper brushing technique and brush for a full two minutes; the team at Tucson Biological Dentistry can show you the correct brushing method if you are unsure
Clean in between your teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner at least one time per day Avoid sugary and starchy foods that can contribute to the development of plaque and feed bacteria; if you do enjoy these foods, brush your teeth afterwards or try to rinse your mouth out with water if brushing is not possible
Snack on crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots, which help clean your teeth as you chew See the dentist at the interval they recommend for professional cleanings and check-ups; for people with healthy teeth, this is typically every six months, but if you are being actively treated for issues such as gum disease, then these visits may need to be more frequent

Schedule your appointment today!

If you are due for a professional cleaning and check-up, it is never too late to call Dr. Krizman at Tucson Biological Dentistry. She provides non-judgmental, comprehensive care that focuses on you as the patient and helping you achieve optimal oral health for overall vitality and well-being. To schedule an appointment, call our conveniently located office in Tucson at (520) 326-0082 today!

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Testimonials

Tucson Biological Dentistry

Lynn R.
Rating: 5

Top notch staff and services. I'm so happy to have found Dr Krizman and her team of highly skilled professionals who are genuinely interested in helping people with their dental and overall health. They treat the whole person and use the latest technology and techniques to do this. I feel well cared for in each visit. Reviews Tucson - Right Quote