Good oral hygiene means more than just a beautiful smile. While it’s true that keeping your teeth clean will give you pearly whitest that you can be proud of, oral health hygiene and overall general health go hand in hand. Take good care of your mouth and your body will benefit as well.
The pitfalls of gum disease
One of the biggest problems that results from lack of good oral hygiene is gum disease. Without proper brushing and flossing, and regular professional teeth cleaning, bacteria and inflammation can take over your mouth. In addition to tooth decay, the gums will begin to suffer.Bleeding is common.
When left untreated, the gums themselves will become damaged, as well as the underlying bone structure. In the worst cases, tooth loss is the end result.
Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes
In addition to wreaking havoc on your oral health, poor oral hygiene is connected to the heart. Recent research suggests the bacteria and inflammation caused by built up tartar can travel into your body via your blood, causing problems for your heart.
Diabetes is another health problem that may be connected to poor oral health. In cases where the mouth becomes seriously inflamed, it can get in the way of the body’s ability to control sugar levels in the body. At that point, it’s a catch-22. As blood sugar levels become high, the body has a much harder time warding off infection. As a result, gum disease can go on unchecked, growing into a more serious problem.
Health problems can be avoided with regular trips to the dentist
Optimal health can be maintained when oral health is a priority. Through diligent efforts to keep the teeth clean, and regular visits to the dentist, it is possible to keep your mouth in great shape, warding off potential consequences in other parts of the body.
Regular brushing and flossing are a major plus, as well as using mouthwash to kill germs and bacteria in the mouth. It’s also important to have regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain healthy teeth.
Learn more
How healthy are your teeth? Because gum disease isn’t painful and has few symptoms besides bleeding gums, it can often sneak in undetected. If you would like to learn more about the state of your oral health, please come in for a complimentary consultation.
