Excellent oral and dental hygiene guarantees you a happy smile. But, did you know that tooth cleaning and flossing can prevent other health-related problems? Research shows that persistent plaque can lead to preterm birth or rheumatoid arthritis. And if you have diabetes, your insulin levels can get out of hand. How so? Well, in this guide, we share five ways that poor oral habits can have an impact on your health.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
The mouth is the entry point of many infections. Yet, most people tend to ignore these infections, especially gum disease, until when the pain becomes unbearable. The chronic inflammation caused by gum disease creates a doorway for harmful bacteria to get into your bloodstream. Once there, the bacteria are carried to the blood vessels in the heart. This is where the link between gum disease and heart disease arises. As more bacteria enter the bloodstream, it increases the risk of heart disease as well as stroke. Hence, the need for regular checkups to diagnose and treat gum disease.
Premature Birth
Did you know that around 18 percent of premature births are related to gingivitis? Yes, gingivitis is associated with increased rates of premature birth. This is because its effects can be carried from the mother to the unborn child. So it is crucial to make sure very early in pregnancy that expectant mothers visit the dentist to treat any dental issues. Pregnancy itself can also affect dental health, and certainly, tooth problems can become worse during pregnancy. Hence, it’s even more important to stay on top of any potential problems with regular dental visits during this time.
Diabetes Management and Oral Hygiene
A healthy mouth keeps one’s diabetes in check and vice versa. Studies show that if you have diabetes and have dental inflammatory disease, treating your diabetes will make your dental condition to improve. Second, treating gum disease helps in controlling your insulin levels. Hence, a person with diabetes must maintain the highest standards of oral hygiene.
Dry Mouth Syndrome
The mouth produces saliva that washes away most food particles and acid in the mouth. Hence, through this self-cleaning mechanism, coupled with a steady oral routine, the human body can control the buildup of microbes in the mouth. But, did you know that some lifestyle factors such as taking lots of medication or excessive consumption of alcohol can cause a decrease in saliva secretion? The low saliva flow can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay. Therefore, avoid excess alcohol and misuse of over the counter drugs. And, use a mouthwash after you take your medicine.
Low Body Immunity
Did you know that maintaining an excellent oral practice controls the level of bacteria that pile in the digestive system, respiratory tracts, and the rest of the body? Yes, for everything good or bad that enters your body passes through the mouth. And if you do not clean your mouth regularly. The saliva will carry allergens and germs to your stomach. In turn, too much buildup of harmful bacteria wears down our immunity.
Your oral health has a synergic relationship to your overall health. Hence, never ignore that chronic toothache or bleeding gum. For it could be a symptom of another underlying health condition. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to treat the ailment. Then, plan to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly.
Carl Clay is a health blog author who has been writing about nutrition, fitness and healthy living for over 10 years. He also loves to run, hike and bike with her wife.
