Your dental health can have a serious impact on your overall health. We all know that improper brushing habits can lead to cavities, root canals and gum disease. But your bad oral hygiene is only impacting your dental health and not your overall health. Right?
Wrong.
Oral health has been connected to your overall health. If you have poor oral health, this can have a negative impact on the following:
- Cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can occur due to poor dental health. What happens is the bacteria in the mouth, which will inflame your gums and potentially lead to periodontal disease, will enter into the bloodstream. When this happens, the bacteria will move into the arteries and heart, which can cause hardening. The end result? Higher risk of stroke or heart attack.
- Respiratory issues. An infection of the lungs can occur when breathing in the bacteria in the mouth from a tooth that’s infected. When this is allowed to occur for a long period of time, it’s possible to get pneumonia or infection in the lungs.
- Diabetes. Obesity is on the rise, and it’s known to increase a person’s risk of becoming diabetic. But did you know that poor dental health can also lead to diabetes? A lot of people don’t know that the inflammation of your gums makes it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels. Diabetic symptoms worsen as a result.
- Dementia. Studies are showing a very scary possibility. A person that has poor dental hygiene may suffer from bacteria from gingivitis spreading into the brain. This spreading occurs through the nerve channels, or it can occur through the bloodstream. The result is dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease – neither of which is desirable.
A proper brushing schedule will help you alleviate many of the health-related complications of poor dental hygiene.
“We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. Spend 30 seconds brushing each quadrant inside of your mouth for optimal results and ideal oral health. First, wet the brush and place a pea-sized dollop of your favorite toothpaste on it. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle when brushing the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth and use circular motions, being sure to also brush the gum,” explains Country Club Dental Flagstaff.
But you’ll also want to make sure that you have work done on your teeth. This means filling cavities, having rotten teeth removed or having any other work that your dentist recommends performed.
The goal is to have all of the dental work done and follow proper brushing habits.
In the long-term, you’ll be able to save money on future dental work and avoid painful dental procedures, too.
Oftentimes, it’s the little things that matter the most. Start brushing twice per day, schedule dental cleanings every six months, and you’ll be able to avoid serious health issues as a result. Spend the four minutes per day brushing and flossing your teeth to lower your risk of dental disease and health complications.