You’ve probably heard the lecture a million times: the age-old adage of “brush and floss your teeth every day” from the dentist. While it might sound trivial, brushing and flossing your teeth is one of the best ways to make sure your teeth stay in top condition in between checkups at a dentist office. If you think you don’t have to maintain dental hygiene, think again.
Here are four facts that will make you reconsider the importance of dental hygiene:
1. Only 22% of Americans claim to floss each day. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque buildup and other debris in between teeth and greatly decreases the risk of gum disease. Even just flossing two to three times a week is better than not flossing at all.
2. Approximately 78% of people will have at least one cavity before turning 17. Cavities, or tooth decay, are precipitated by eating and drinking high amounts of sugar. They can only be fixed by getting a filling from a dentist office. By brushing teeth twice daily and staying away from sugary food and drinks, your risk for getting a cavity decreases.
3. Pediatric dental disease (or childhood tooth decay) is the number one chronic childhood illness around the world. If you have kids, it’s highly important that you share your knowledge of good dental hygiene habits with them. Visiting a family dentist office regularly will help them learn good habits as well.
4. According to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, more than 95% of adults in the U.S. reported feeling comfortable with the care they received when visiting the dentist office. There’s no reason to be afraid of visiting a dentist office for a teeth cleaning or other procedure — your teeth are in good hands!
In addition to practicing daily oral hygiene habits, it’s essential to find a dentist office that will provide the best dental care for you. Start looking for the best dentist office for your dental needs today! Research more here.
