Practicing good dental care is important for more than just having a pretty smile. Bad dental care can lead to problems in your mouth that can affect the rest of your body. While a cavity may not have a major effect over your endocrine system, gum disease could affect your general health negatively.
Bad dental care is connected to numerous health issues. Keep on reading to find out what health issues can derive from bad dental care, and learn a few tips on how to protect your body by having better daily oral hygiene habits.
Health Issues Connected to Bad Dental Care
Heart disease
Gum disease causes inflammation due to harmful bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart causing Atherosclerosis (when plaque builds up and thickens your arteries’ inner walls which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke), and Endocarditis (when the inner lining of the heart becomes infected and inflamed).
Respiratory diseases
Some bacteria found in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Diabetic problems
People with diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease since they are more susceptible to infection, and Periodontal disease has been found to make blood sugar difficult to control and can make diabetes cases worse.
Pregnancy and birth complications
Periodontitis is the severe inflammation of the gums which makes your gums bleed easily, it also makes them swollen and red and it has shown to be associated with premature birth and low weight at birth.
Mental illness
Studies have shown that bacteria present in periodontal disease can travel along the nerve channels that connect the mucous membranes of the mouth to the brain, potentially causing brain damage, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
All of these health problems can easily be avoided if you pay close attention to your everyday oral hygiene routine.
Follow these tips to improve your dental hygiene and keep your gums and teeth healthy
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
Change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if you notice the bristles are splayed, a high quality toothbrush like The Regular Fresh Toothbrush will help remove bacteria more effectively, and avoid gum disease, cavities and bad breath.
Brush your teeth more often
Brushing your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is a basic tip for good dental care. It is important to scrub your tongue too, because it can harbor bacteria.
No more cigarettes
Avoid smoking, smoking is associated with the onset of gum disease. Also, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoker’s gums take longer to heal once they’ve been damaged.
Remember your regular dentist check ups
Dentists can help detect early gum disease symptoms, and regular dental cleanings can help get rid of any dental plaque you missed when brushing your teeth or flossing.
You can prevent major health consequences if you give a little more love to your teeth and gums with these useful oral hygiene tips.