As there is ample medical evidence that shows a strong connection between your dental health and overall wellness, taking good care of your teeth can help you prevent multiple diseases.
The oral cavity is a hub of numerous microorganisms (opportunistic). Any disturbance in the flora of these microorganisms can lead to pH changes that also help produce different other pathogenic microbes.
As the oral cavity is the entrance point for the digestive and respiratory tract, good oral health (brushing and flossing) maintains the level of these opportunistic bacteria under control. Similarly, poor oral hygiene may lead to multiple inflammatory diseases involving periodontium and gum infections. The bacteria produced by these diseases are the raw material to produce various other disorders.
If health risks posed by poor dental health are listed, Endocarditis tops the list.
Endocarditis is the infection of the inner lining of heart that usually occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream from any part of your body. The oral cavity is the main point through which bacteria can readily move into the bloodstream and stay connected to the specific areas of the heart, causing endocarditis.
Different studies suggest that bacteria involved in gingivitis can cross your blood-brain barrier through
nerve channels or the bloodstream. These bacteria can cause diseases like dementia or Alzheimer’s.
As the oral cavity also leads to the respiratory tract, bacteria in teeth cavities can aspirate into the upper respiratory tract and may cause several diseases, including pneumonia.
For diabetics, it is important to take proper care of their blood glucose levels any increase in it can make diabetes worse. People with diabetes are prone to periodontal infections. Actually, it’s a vicious cycle.
Gum diseases are usually inflammatory in origin. The bacteria in the oral cavity have the potential to
increase inflammation in our body that also increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Moreover, scientific evidence shows that pregnancy hormones can also worsen dental diseases. Such evidence suggest that periodontitis increases the chances of premature birth or babies with low birth weight.
Besides, dental plaques or cavities in your teeth can also affect your facial aesthetics, a corner stone of a confident personality. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to boost this confidence.
Bad breath or halitosis is another factor that can adversely affect your personality. Good oral hygiene can help you overcome bad breath.
So keeping in view all these aspects, it becomes a must to pay attention to your dental health that can be improved by proper dental care. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help you deal with a variety of dental problems. In addition, flossing and antibacterial rinses are also important to boost oral hygiene. If you are suffering from any gum or periodontal disease, go for any medicated toothpaste specific for the problems. Moreover, you must visit your dentist twice a year for a proper checkup or any dental procedure required to boost dental health. It will definitely help you maintain good oral hygiene.