Dental Hygiene and Overall Health

Maintaining good dental hygiene is extremely important for the health of your teeth, but more importantly, it also positively affects your overall health. Not only should you brush at least twice a day and floss regularly, but you should also schedule visits to your dentist, even if there is nothing wrong with your teeth at the moment. If you’re not sure how your oral health is connected to your overall health, read on to discover this amazing link:

Oral health and pregnancy

Pregnant women should pay special attention to their teeth, especially if they experience severe cases of morning sickness, as the acid from frequent vomiting can deteriorate teeth. What is more, pregnant women who suffer from periodontal disease are at risk of preterm birth. While the more conclusive results are still expected, some scientists speculate that preterm birth happens because the mother’s immune system reacts to infections caused by gum disease. If you’re pregnant and suffering from periodontitis, you should be careful and visit your dentist on a regular basis and also try to floss and brush your teeth more often as these actions lower your risk of bacteria buildup.

Cardiovascular health

As one thing leads to another, if you are suffering from gum inflammation, you are at high risk of heart disease as well as stroke. If your gums are inflamed, the inflammation in your whole body is too, and this is known to result in cardiovascular disease if not treated. Those who suffer from periodontal disease are at a much greater risk of developing heart disease and having a fatal heart attack. Make sure you have an open talk with your dentist or hygienist if they ask you about your heart. It’s imperative that you tell them all about your health and disclose any family history of heart disease.

Lung problems and pneumonia

As scary as this may sound, it’s fairly simple: when you have excess bacteria in your mouth, the said bacteria can sometimes be sucked in, ending up in your lungs and causing infection. If not treated, this infection can result in severe cases of pneumonia, and the scariest part of it is that in children and the elderly, this can even be life-threatening. Cleaning your teeth twice a day and going to the dentist will be of great help. Make sure you put down “find the best dentist near me” on your to-do list and never skip checkups, even if you think everything is ok. This will prevent bacterial buildup which will lower the risk of you catching an infection and developing pneumonia.

High risk of diabetes

Diabetes is closely connected with your dental health, and the truth is that it can go two ways. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to suffer from dental problems, which, in turn, can lead to more serious health complications. Diabetes can lead to a weakened immune system and as a result, you will probably start suffering from gum disease. The sad truth is that people who suffer from gingivitis have a really hard time managing their blood sugar levels, but regular brushing and flossing will help you keep it under control.

Immune disorders

If you have problems with your immune system, you are more likely to suffer from an infection and you can take a really long time to recover even after the simplest illnesses. People with immune disorders are affected greatly and they have to be extra careful not to get sick. Even the smallest cuts and lesions in the mouth can become complicated and result in serious problems for people with compromised immunity. If you take good care of your teeth, tongue, and gums, you will be less likely to develop oral sores and more likely to heal well. Make sure you use mouthwash regularly because it will kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, treat existing sores, and prevent new ones from appearing.

Not paying attention to your dental hygiene and oral health will have terrible consequences for you. Not only will your teeth decay and you’ll lose your pretty smile, but your overall health will be affected too. The health of your mouth has a great impact on the rest of your body, which is why you should brush and floss religiously, and never skip an opportunity to visit your dentist and have a checkup.