Dental Hygiene and How It Affects Your Health
Dental hygiene is more than just keeping your teeth clean—it plays a major role in your overall health. Poor oral care can lead to cavities and gum disease, but it can also contribute to serious conditions throughout the body. Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the simplest ways to protect your heart, brain, and immune system. What Is Dental Hygiene? Dental hygiene refers to the daily habits and professional care that keep your mouth clean and free of disease. This includes: Brushing your teeth twice a day Flossing once daily Rinsing with mouthwash Visiting the dentist every 6 months These simple steps help remove plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—that causes tooth decay and gum disease. How Oral Health Affects the Body When oral bacteria build up,…