We all know that practicing good oral hygiene is important for the health of our teeth and gums. But less known are the major health advantages of good dental hygiene on the rest of our body.
Scientific studies are showing that a healthy mouth and a healthy body go hand in hand. Taking care of your teeth and gums can improve your overall health, reduce the risk of serious disease and even preserve your memory as you age.
With this in mind, it is important to make sure that you keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Want to know more? Here are the 10 major benefits of good oral hygiene:
1. Reduced risk of gum disease
Other than tooth decay, one of the most well-known benefits of good oral hygiene is lowering the risk of gum disease. Bleeding gums allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, traveling throughout the body. Brushing and flossing teeth daily can help avoid conditions such as periodontitis and gingivitis.
2. Reduced risk of tooth decay
If you don’t clean your teeth every day, you are putting your teeth at risk of tooth decay. Not removing the remnants of consumed food from teeth can provide the perfect home for cavity-causing bacteria.
3. Reduced risk of heart disease
Studies have shown that inflammation from gum disease has been associated with cardiovascular problems including blockages of blood vessels, heart disease, and strokes. This results from bacteria entering your bloodstream through bleeding gums and spreading throughout the body.
4. Helps maintain your memory
As above, this is because bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain. Oral bacteria that are related to gum disease have been found in the brains of deceased dementia patients. Brain cells can die resulting in memory loss and the formation of Alzheimers and dementia.
5. Improves fertility in women
Research has revealed that gum disease can lengthen the time it takes for a woman to become pregnant by an average of an extra two months.
6. Less joint inflammation
Oral bacteria can introduce inflammation throughout your body, which can increase your risk of developing inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Reduced risk of diabetes
Gum disease has been linked to diabetes. Research has found that people with gum disease are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with healthy gums. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums. This can cause inflammation throughout your body, which can lead to, or increase insulin resistance.
8. Decreased risk of cancer
Researchers believe that oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums might boost the growth of cancer cells.
9. Prevents bad breath
Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath.
10. You’ll Save Money
Looking after your teeth will help protect against tooth decay, cavities, and other dental issues. You’ll require less or maybe no dental work saving yourself a lot of money.
