Brushing and flossing are essential to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Your teeth and gums play a crucial part in overall health, although many of us may not know this.
Poor dental hygiene might put you at an increased risk of developing certain health conditions. You can better comprehend the relationship between oral health and general wellbeing by focusing on the following.
The Link between Oral Health and Your Overall Well-Being
You might not know it, but your oral, stomach, and respiratory systems are inextricably linked. If you’re not cautious, poor dental hygiene might lead to issues with these other aspects of your body.
Bacteria are constantly present in your mouth. Although certain germs are harmless and even beneficial, neglecting your dental health can lead to problems in other parts of your body. This might result in poor overall health and severe disorders in some situations.
Advanced gum disease or periodontal disease, for example, can allow germs in your mouth to enter your bloodstream, resulting in sepsis, a life-threatening medical illness. This requires a trip to an emergency dental clinic to prevent further infection in severe cases.
Taking care of your teeth and gums helps keep germs under control and reduces your chance of developing other health and wellbeing issues.
Conditions Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene
You may be at a higher risk of developing some health problems if you have poor dental hygiene. Several of these illnesses can become serious and even life-threatening without adequate treatment.
Here are some common conditions linked with poor oral hygiene:
- Pneumonia
- Endocarditis and Cardiovascular Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Basic Oral Hygiene
To have healthy gums and teeth, you must practice proper oral hygiene regularly. Here are some important oral hygiene habits:
1. Proper Brushing
Brushing your teeth regularly will not amount to much if you don’t brush properly. Brush your teeth softly with a soft-bristled toothbrush rather than a hard-bristled toothbrush.
Instead of scrubbing, swirl the brush around in circular strokes when cleaning your teeth. This not only cleans your teeth more efficiently but also reduces the danger of injury.
It is best to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially after eating.
2. Flossing
Flossing between your teeth a couple of times a day will help remove food that has become caught between them. Gum disease and tooth decay are reduced as a result of this. When you leave the house for the day, take a pack of floss with you so that you can quickly clean between your teeth after eating.
3. Water Intake
After eating or drinking sugary or acidic beverages, drinking water can help protect your teeth from dangerous microorganisms. Water helps flush down sugar and other particles that attract germs. This helps maintain the health of your tooth enamel, which is the outer layer that protects your teeth.
4. Dental Exams
Remember that oral hygiene isn’t complete without regular dental examinations and cleanings. These should be done twice a year to ensure that your gums and teeth are in good shape. Dentists can detect tooth decay early during cleanings if you have tooth decay or any other oral health issues and treat them immediately.
Conclusion
Even though it might seem like your teeth and gums have little to do with your overall health, the fact is that your oral hygiene habits can have a significant impact on the health of the rest of your body.
It is vital to invest in preventive dental care to ensure the health of your teeth, gums, and corresponding parts of the body.
Are you looking for preventive dental care in Troy? Dental First offers quality dental care to ensure your comfort and oral health. Book your appointment today!
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