International Self-Care Day: Why Good Oral Care Is Good Self-Care

What Does Oral Health Have To Do With Self-Care?

Taking care of your oral health is a necessity. Without brushing and flossing your teeth, you are putting yourself at risk for suffering from tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these oral health issues can lead to tooth loss and a whole bunch of other potential oral health concerns. Without teeth, you also won’t be able to smile properly which can lead to a host of self-esteem issues. Additionally, you will not be able to speak correctly and you may age prematurely due to the lack of cheek support from missing teeth that cause the cheeks to sink inwards. 

Not taking care of your oral health can also lead to other potential health issues. Cancer, heart disease, and stomach ulcers are other physical health issues that are linked to poor oral health. Although these more insidious effects of poor oral health are rarely spoken about, they can have a massive impact on your overall health. 

How To Maintain Good Oral Health

We all know that we should be brushing our teeth twice per day and flossing. But how often do you actually reach for floss every time you brush your teeth? Are you brushing your teeth for a full two-minutes? Although you may think that you are doing an adequate job of taking care of your oral health, there is always room for improvement. Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth:

• Floss your teeth thoroughly every time you brush your teeth
• Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice per day 
• Visit your dentist for a dental cleaning and exam once every six months
• Avoid using tobacco products
• If you have diabetes, make sure you are working to maintain control of the disease to avoid other health issues such as gum disease
• If you have sudden changes in your oral health or teeth, book an appointment with your dentist right away

Making Self-Care A Priority

Taking care of yourself and putting yourself first should not feel selfish or self-indulgent. We all need to practice self-care in order to be our best self, physically and mentally. In order to take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. Practicing good hygiene and oral health care is one of the best ways to practice self-care. Good hygiene includes a specific set of practices associated with the preservation of health, for example maintaining a clean living and work environment, hand washing, and preventing the spread of communicable diseases. Without the practice of good hygiene as a form of self-care, there would be a decrease in the well-being and health of many people around the world. Taking the time to care for your oral health and prioritize it as a form of self-care will lower your risk for future health problems that can affect your well-being. 

Visit Dr. Korol For Your Next Dental Exam In Calgary

Practicing good oral health is just one component of self-care. Prioritize your mental health and physical needs to ensure you are protecting your overall health and well-being so that you can be the best version of yourself. Without self-care, you will be putting yourself at risk of several potential health issues that can be avoided. Be mindful about your own needs so you are better able to support the people you care about. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to meet the needs of others. 

If you are in need of a dental cleaning and dental exam, book an appointment with Dr. Korol today by calling 1-403-245-9099, or by filling out our online contact form. Our dental office is a leading holistic and biocompatible dentistry practice in Calgary that offers dental services such as dental bridges, teeth whitening, Invisalign® treatments, and more. Book your appointment for advice from Calgary’s leading holistic dentist, Dr. Korol. 
 

FAQ