The Impact of Good Dental Hygiene on Your Overall Health

Riverside Dental Care • April 25, 2025

According to the National Institutes of Health, 90% of all common diseases have oral symptoms. There's a link between oral and overall health. Oral bacteria and inflammation could contribute to other serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease.


Finding the best dental care in New York and a personalized dental hygiene routine can help protect your smile and overall health. What's the connection between dental health and your ongoing wellness? Read on to find out!


The Importance of Dental Health


The most recommended dental hygiene routine includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily. These oral hygiene habits can keep bacteria at bay. Otherwise, bacteria can mix with food particles and saliva in your mouth, creating plaque.


Plaque is a clear, tacky film that can stick onto and between teeth. This biofilm is a community of living microbes that can attach to surfaces in your mouth before growing into microcolonies.


When left unattended, the film can harden into tartar and release acid. Tartar may erode your protective tooth enamel, leaving your teeth susceptible to disease and decay. It can build along the:


  • Front of your teeth
  • Gumline
  • Back of your teeth


Brushing and flossing may dislodge tartar. However, you'll likely need to seek NYC oral health services to have it thoroughly removed. Otherwise, tartar can:


  • Destroy enamel
  • Cause tooth sensitivity and cavities
  • Lead to tooth loss
  • Cause bad breath
  • Lead to gum disease


Prioritizing your dental health can reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. Neglecting your oral hygiene, on the other hand, can cause cavities and gum disease.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five adults ages 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity. Left untreated, cavities can cause an abscess. This infection may spread to other parts of the body before having serious or even fatal consequences.


The plaque and tartar that cause cavities can form below the surface of a tooth, causing a gum infection. Without treatment, your gums may separate from your teeth, increasing your risk of losing a tooth. Other symptoms of gum disease (gingivitis) include:


  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Foul-smelling breath that doesn't improve with brushing
  • Red, tender, and/or swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Painful chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Gums that pull away from your teeth
  • A change in your bite (malocclusion)


If these symptoms sound familiar, seek NYC dental care right away. Beginning immediate treatment can help you avoid complications.


Oral-Systemic Health


According to Mayo Clinic, your oral health may play a part in conditions like:


  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Endocarditis
  • Pneumonia
  • Pregnancy and birth complications


The bacteria that cause gingivitis may travel to blood vessels throughout the body before causing blood vessel inflammation. This may lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.


Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart's valves or chambers. Bacteria from the mouth may spread through your bloodstream before attaching to the heart.


When bacteria from the mouth travel to the lungs, they may cause respiratory conditions like pneumonia. Gum disease may also cause low birth weight or premature birth.


To protect your oral and overall health, choose preventive dental health care. Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups. They may spot early signs of plaque and tartar formation before the bacteria can spread. Call us today to schedule your consultation.


Reasons to Seek NYC Dental Care


Routine visits to your NYC dentists can help protect your smile and overall health. Here are a few ways NYC oral health services are beneficial.


Preventive NYC Oral Health Services

Visit a dentist every six months for preventive dentistry services like:

  • Teeth cleanings
  • Oral exams
  • Dental X-rays

Your dentist can identify potential issues before guiding you toward proper at-home dental care. Their advice can help you develop healthier habits, potentially allowing you to avoid oral diseases like cavities and gingivitis.


Benefits of preventive dental health services include:

  • Reduced risk of serious dental problems
  • Early detection and treatment
  • Reduction of issues associated with chronic medical conditions
  • Promotion of good oral hygiene habits


Recognize Risk Factors

Talk to your NYC dentist about your risk of developing periodontal disease. Risk factors include:


  • Consuming sugary foods and beverages
  • Tobacco use
  • High stress levels
  • Excessive alcohol use

Genetics can also play a role. Let your dentist know if systemic diseases run in your family.


Your dentist will identify lifestyle factors that may put your oral health at risk. They can make personalized recommendations to safeguard your smile and overall health.


Customized Dental Hygiene Tips

Preventive dental care starts at home. To reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Use fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Use mouthwash
  • Avoid acidic foods that can damage enamel
  • Avoid crunching on hard foods that may damage your teeth
  • Use a mouthguard when playing sports
  • Consider a nighttime mouthguard if you grind your teeth
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco products


Your dentist can offer personalized dental hygiene tips based on your needs and concerns. For example, if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, your dentist may recommend a different toothbrush or adjusting your technique.


Establish the Best Dental Hygiene Routine


When brushing your teeth at home:

  • Brush at a 45-degree angle
  • Move the brush in small circles
  • Avoid brushing too hard


Talk to your dentist about your at-home dental hygiene routine. They can recognize mistakes you're making that may compromise your oral and overall health. 


Your diet can also affect your overall health. Your dentist may recommend that you eat more:

  • Dark, leafy vegetables
  • Dairy products (rich in calcium)
  • Protein


Eating a balanced diet can protect your teeth, promote healthy gums, and improve your overall health. 


Early Detection

Visiting your dentist every six months can help them identify issues before they develop further. For example, they may recognize early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Your dentist will ensure you receive treatment right away, allowing you to avoid complications or costly procedures.


Seek the Best Dental Care in NYC


Don't neglect your dental hygiene. Instead, discover some of the best dental care in New York City. Your dentists at Riverside Dental Care are here to keep your teeth healthy and strong for life!


Discover our compassionate staff, comprehensive dental care services, and preventive approach. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.