Your main aim when considering Invisalign Hertfordshire may be to benefit your dental appearance with a dazzling smile, but you will be delighted to know that the gift of orthodontic treatment is one that keeps on giving.
Patients are often told by their dentists to look after their oral hygiene. Much is said publicly about brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing. Are dental professionals making a fuss about nothing? What is the real concern about poor oral hygiene and how can teeth straightening treatments help?
What happens when oral hygiene is not managed properly?
It is quite the norm to associate poor oral hygiene with dental problems such as cavities and tooth decay, but this is only the beginning of the problems you can experience when oral hygiene is not properly managed.
When the number of bad bacteria in the mouth is left to multiply, the risk of dental diseases like periodontitis and mouth infections increases. It is these bad bacteria that are the villains not only in dental problems, but also in creating havoc in other parts of the body as well.
The Oral Health Foundation supports the claim that poor oral health can cause or complicate medical conditions. Systemic medical conditions from cancer and pneumonia to heart disease and mental disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s have all been linked to poor oral health issues.
One research study conducted by a team at Queen’s University Belfast linked poor oral hygiene to an increased likelihood of developing liver cancer. The study concluded that people suffering from dental problems such as painful gums, loose teeth and mouth ulcers are at greater risk – 75 per cent more likely – to have hepatocellular carcinoma, a predominant form of liver cancer.
How teeth straightening treatments improve overall health
First and foremost, teeth straightening treatment plans help improve the level of cleanliness in the mouth. Teeth that were once misaligned or overcrowded are now easier to brush and floss. Teeth that have been straightened remove the challenges of awkward areas in the mouth that are difficult to brush and floss.
Orthodontic problems like crooked and overcrowded teeth put a heavy burden on certain areas of dentition during the masticatory function, which puts these teeth at risk of damage due to excessive wear and tear.
Wearing braces to correct an incorrect bite can improve your ability to bite and chew properly without discomfort. Improved biting and chewing capabilities benefit digestion which means better nutrient absorption. In this way, straightening teeth can help strengthen the physical body through nutrition.
Improved levels of confidence are another common spin-off of orthodontic treatment. This works in two ways. Firstly, an attractive smile is an easy way to raise confidence. Another is through clearer speech. Crooked and overcrowded teeth can affect the way you speak which has a negative impact on confidence and makes you less likely to want to engage with others.
There are very good reasons why teeth straightening treatments are said to have a positive effect on the quality of life. They are relied on for alleviating pain and discomfort, enhancing dental function and protecting oral health, as well as the health of the body and mind.
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