Taking care of your gums and teeth is more critical than you think as skipping yearly dental exams and forgetting to brush and floss may lead to cavities and tooth decay. Poor dental hygiene may also increase your chances of falling ill to more serious health complications such as the following:
Memory Loss
Exercising, eating nutritious food and reducing stress are easy steps to overcoming many health obstacles. If you’re hoping to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it could be as simple as practicing good dental health. Individuals with poor teeth brushing habits are at risk for tooth loss. Based on research found in the Behavioral and Brain Functions, missing teeth caused by bad dental hygiene could put you at a heightened risk for memory loss. When the gums become infected, they release inflamed substances into the body causing a rise in brain inflammation. Get in the habit of brushing your teeth after every meal. If you work, keep a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste in your desk drawer for mid-day cleanings. If you don’t have time to brush, floss your teeth and chew a piece of sugarless gum after your meal.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease and stroke. Plaque and bacteria littering your mouth can enter the body’s bloodstream by way of your gums. The protein found in the bacteria is known to clog arteries and increase your chances of a heart attack. If the arteries become severely clogged, you could raise your risk of stroke. Scheduling yearly dental cleanings can help clear your mouth of bacteria. If you have teeth that can’t be salvaged, dental implants restores the missing tooth so that it functions, looks and feels natural. Because the implants are durable and long-lasting, patients are able to eat, speak, and enjoy everyday activities.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects over 90 percent of adults in the U.S. with periodontal disease. Another fraction of sufferers have advanced cases of the disease that could put them at the risk of tooth loss. Your chances of controlling your blood sugar levels are even more difficult, making you more susceptible to other complications. Regular dental checkups and teeth brushing are just a small portion of good oral wellness. You can also learn the proper ways to floss your teeth from your dental hygienist. Removing food particles through flossing cuts down on your risk of periodontal disease and helps prevents cavities.
Respiratory Issues
If you already suffer from respiratory issues or you’re looking to prevent COPD and pneumonia, you’ll want to get rid of harmful mouth bacteria. Because the germs can travel to the lungs via the bloodstream, your respiratory illnesses could worsen. If it’s been awhile since you last visited the dentist, it’s time to schedule a thorough cleaning.
Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction
There are a number of factors such as weight and stress that could be making it difficult for you to conceive. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to the dentist, your poor dental care could be to blame for your reproductive issues. Based on findings from European Society of Human Reproduction, women with gum disease could take longer to conceive than females without the issue. If your partner is having problems maintaining an erection, excessive mouth bacteria can move through the bloodstream and inflame the vessels that lead to the male genitals. Whether you’re planning on getting pregnant or enjoying a healthy sex life, it’s important to schedule regular dental cleanings.
Proper dental protocol is more than achieving a healthy smile and whiter teeth. Brushing regularly, flossing and visiting your dentist routinely can also keep your body healthy and prevent illnesses and diseases from occurring in the first place.
