What many people don't know, however, is that poor dental hygiene doesn't just affect your teeth and gums - it can have an adverse effect on your health overall.
How dental hygiene affects your health
One way dental hygiene affects your health overall is through periodontal, or gum, diseases. These diseases of the gums are the result of not brushing or flossing enough. Some common symptoms of this include sore or bleeding gums, hardened gums, and eventual tooth decay. The gums are usually sensitive as well.
Studies have shown that people who have gum disease that has advanced into a more serious stage, like tooth loss or infection, are also at a higher risk for other serious health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and pneumonia. However, gum disease does not directly cause these problems, or vice versa, but it is still important to make note of the correlation. In addition, pregnant women with gum disease are at increased risks for delivering premature or low birth weight infants.
If you have diabetes, you may also want to pay special attention to your dental health. Diabetes patients with poor dental hygiene that have tooth decay or gum disease in addition to their diabetes are twice as likely to die from the effects of diabetes as people who don't have other dental problems. Most of the time, this is because harmful bacteria from the diseased gums enter the bloodstream. Because diabetes leads to a lowered immune system, the body is not as able to effectively ward off the bacteria and infection caused by the gum disease.
Practicing proper dental hygiene
In order to remain healthy and free from the diseases and health complications caused by poor dental hygiene, it's important to know exactly what it entails so you can make improvements where necessary.
Be sure to brush. You should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each, a minute on the top and a minute on the bottom, brushing in a circular motion and concentrating on the gum line. Your toothbrush should be changed at least once every 3 or 4 months, as the bristles will begin to wear down and become less effective. Don't forget to floss. Neglecting to floss will lead to tooth decay in between the teeth, no matter how often you brush. You should floss once a day before you brush your teeth. Make sure to floss gently, and avoid snapping the floss into your gums; this can cause damage and bleeding to your gums. See the dentist. Regular check-ups can help spot problems before they turn into something more serious.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is not only important for you're the health of your mouth, but for the overall health of your body as well. Paying special attention to your teeth can result in healthier body and smile.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Westermeier, DDS, and Dr. Jeffrey Martin are leading dentists in Aurora, New York. Dr. Westermeier and Dr. Martin specialize in Aurora Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry. Visit us for more information Buffalo Smile Center or call (716) 652-3960.
