These days our society has a fixation on keeping our bodies healthy. Exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are all important components of a healthy lifestyle. One thing we often forget the importance of is oral hygiene. It’s likely that most of us are pretty good about regularly brushing and flossing our teeth. However, we often don’t realize that caring for our teeth is more important than maintaining a healthy mouth.

The saliva and bacteria in our mouths act as a first line of defense against germs and harmful bacteria that enter our mouths. Frequently, our bodies’ natural defenses aren’t enough to fight off microbial invaders. When these germs aren’t killed off in the mouth, they build up on the teeth as plaque. As plaque remains in the mouth, the bacteria forming it can spread to other parts of the body including the heart and brain. Lack of proper oral hygiene can thereby leave the mouth as an infection source for the rest of the body.

Contributing to a healthy lifestyle through good oral hygiene goes beyond brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once. Proper oral hygiene includes routine visits to a dental professional. Regularly visiting a dentist ensures that teeth are properly cleaned in addition to preventing and treating cavities and dangerous plaque buildup.

Proper oral hygiene is easiest when it becomes a habit. Forming good habits is best done as children. Teaching children to brush and floss regularly will set them on a path for maintaining healthy mouths. It’s also important for young children to regularly visit a dentist. Many parents make the mistake of thinking that because children lose their first set of teeth, it’s not important to care for them. What many parents forget is that children’s permanent teeth are developing underneath the temporary ones and are negatively affected by poor oral hygiene. It’s a good idea to bring a child into a dentist by their first birthday but no later than their third.

Choosing the right family dentist to go to is just as important as caring for your teeth. Asking your friends and family for referrals may be a good start, but it’s important to do your own research. Before selecting a dentist, be sure that they accept your insurance policy. It’s also a good idea to learn what types of dental services are offered. Finally, for parents, it’s essential to make sure that your dentist is kid-friendly.