Building Lifelong Health Through Strong Dental Habits

When it comes to being healthy, most of us think about getting medical checkups, eating nutritious food, and exercising regularly. But there’s one part of our body that we tend to forget about – our mouths. Yet our oral health can affect everything from our hearts to our immune system. The good news? With the right routine, we can keep our teeth and gums in excellent shape for years to come, and with them, boost our overall health.

At Legacy Community Health, we believe dental care isn’t just about keeping your smile bright, it’s a key part of staying healthy. With the celebration of Dental Hygiene Month, now is a great time to focus on the importance of oral health and its critical role in overall well-being.

Dental Hygiene is Essential for Overall Health

Maintaining oral health is about more than avoiding cavities, it’s also protecting your entire body from harmful infections and diseases. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to conditions like heart disease, respiratory infections, and even complications during pregnancy.

• Heart Disease: Bacteria from plaque in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, leading to infections that inflame arteries and heart valves, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Immune System: Cavities can weaken the immune system, making someone more susceptible to infections.
• Pneumonia: Certain germs in the mouth can travel to the lungs, causing serious respiratory diseases like pneumonia.
• Pregnancy Outcomes: Research links poor oral health with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm births and low birth weight.

“Our oral healthcare and systemic health are connected. Ensuring proper oral hygiene is imperative to our overall health and well-being,” says Legacy Dental Medical Director, Dr. Ashley Johnson.

Building Children’s Oral Health Early On

Good oral health starts at an early age, long before children get their first baby tooth.

That’s why parents and caretakers should make sure to wipe their baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth after feeding to help keep the mouth clean. This should be done at least twice a day, even before a baby starts on solid food. Once a baby’s first tooth comes in, parents can brush the tooth with a finger or a soft children’s toothbrush along with a dab of fluoridated toothpaste. Later on, when a child’s teeth come in and start to touch, parents should gently floss the teeth to avoid any residue food getting stuck and creating buildup. Older children can do this on their own, but younger kids will need parents’ help.

Parents should bring their children in for regular dental check-ups twice a year, starting within 6 months of the first tooth coming in or at age 12 months, whichever is earlier. Early visits help set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.

And parents can model good habits, like a twice-a-day minimum brushing and flossing, so their children learn that practicing oral health is a part of their daily activities.

“Parents are encouraged to bring their child into the dental office early to establish a positive patient/dentist relationship. This also provides an opportunity to educate parents about how to care for their child’s teeth to prevent oral disease in the future,” says Dr. Johnson.

Best Practices for Oral Health

With a combination of good home care and regular visits to the dentist, preventing dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and excess tartar buildup is possible. Here are some tips to help maintain strong oral health:

• Brushing Properly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes to effectively remove plaque: This video shows you how to brush the right way.
• Flossing Daily: Flossing removes food particles and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Limiting Sugary Snacks: Foods like chips, candy, and cookies can get stuck in the grooves of teeth and lead to cavities. Brushing soon after eating these foods can help prevent decay.
• Eating Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: These foods promote saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
• Replacing Your Toothbrush: The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or splayed.

“It’s important that patients maintain an oral hygiene regimen at home that includes brushing two times per day and daily flossing. This will prevent plaque and tartar buildup between regular dental checkups and cleanings,” says Dr. Johnson.

Legacy Community Health Makes Dental Care Easy and Accessible

Legacy Community Health offers routine general dentistry for children and adults that is designed to diagnose, treat, manage, and monitor your oral health.

We offer comprehensive care in one place, so you can schedule your dental appointments on the same day as your primary care visit, or schedule your child’s pediatric appointment, vaccinations, and vision checks on the same date, making it easier to get all your healthcare needs met at once.

With over 50 locations across the Texas Gulf Coast to choose from, we’re a one-stop shop for dental, medical, and vision care. As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Texas, our goal is to ensure that no one goes without essential healthcare services, including dental care.

Make a commitment to prioritize your oral health. Regular dental checkups and proper oral care habits are essential steps in maintaining not just a healthy mouth, but a healthy body. If you would like to schedule a dental exam for yourself or your family, or want to learn more about our services, call (832) 548-5240 or visit us online.