Brushing your teeth on a daily basis is essential for maintaining the health of your mouth and teeth. It keeps your teeth from decaying and your gums from inflaming. However, did you realize that proper oral hygiene has an impact on your entire health? More and more is being learned about the link between dental health and overall health. Many illnesses begin in the mouth. But you can avoid this by visiting your dentist as early as today. Dentist Glendale on Sky Dental listing lectures about the importance of having healthy teeth for a healthy body.
What is good oral hygiene?
Good oral hygiene consists of daily good cleaning of your teeth, molars, and gums. Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft toothbrush, in combination with toothpicks, brushes, and/or dental floss. Replace your toothbrush in time. Brushing is easier with an electric toothbrush. But also visit the dentist at least once a year and possibly also the dental hygienist.
Possible consequences of poor oral hygiene
A lack of good oral care can have serious complications: rheumatism, diabetes, and even obesity are all linked to a greater or lesser extent. What can be the complications of poor oral hygiene?
Pneumonia
Poor oral health and periodontitis can lead to pneumonia. Bacteria present in the mouth as a result of poor oral hygiene and periodontitis can cause pneumonia. Particularly in patients with an increased risk of developing pneumonia. It has been found that 43% of all elderly people who are hospitalized have pneumonia-causing bacteria in their mouths. This risk can be reduced by extensive dental cleaning and improvement of overall oral hygiene.
Heart attack
When a person has too much bacteria in the mouth, it can become a hotbed for germs, which are related to clogged arteries and the hardening of the arteries. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, a fatty substance can form that can stick to the walls. These fatty substances are called plaques and are responsible for an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Elderly people with gum disease have a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gum disease. High glucose levels can lead to dry mouth. A dry mouth promotes the formation of cavities. So diabetes can make gum disease worse, but did you know that gum disease can make diabetes control very difficult? Think of having problems regulating blood glucose levels.
Bone decalcification
Healthy teeth and healthy tongue help keep your bones strong, especially the bones around your mouth such as the jawbones. Studies have shown that excess oral bacteria can damage the connective tissue that holds teeth in place. When ingested all the time, these bacteria can weaken your body’s immune system. Osteoporosis or other diseases related to the bone structure have been linked in these studies to poor oral hygiene.
Rheumatism
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and painful joints. It has been found that people with rheumatoid arthritis are relatively more likely to suffer from dental problems than people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis. A 2009 study found that people with severe rheumatoid arthritis saw their symptoms improve after their dental problems were treated. This is not scientific evidence but may indicate that oral hygiene and rheumatoid arthritis are linked.