Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues. But good oral hygiene offers benefits that go beyond your teeth. Healthy habits can help you look and feel better, improving your quality of life and lowering your risk of developing diseases like diabetes or heart disease. Good oral hygiene has multiple benefits for your health, including reducing plaque-induced inflammation in the body. If you’re not sure how to achieve good oral hygiene, check out these top 5 benefits of a clean mouth and how they work to improve your health:
Healthier gums
A dry mouth can make your gums more vulnerable to infections and irritation. Dry mouth is caused by low saliva production and is a common side effect of many medications. If you have a dry mouth, you can try several things to boost saliva production and protect your gums. One is to brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Another is chewing sugar-free gum, increasing saliva flow 10 to 20 times. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can lower your risk of gum disease. A dentist may recommend antibiotics or surgery to treat the infection if you have gum disease. Good oral hygiene can help you prevent gum disease in the first place.
Healthier weight and Increased Lifespan
Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of cavities and gingivitis, leading to weight gain. That’s because bacteria from the mouth often get into the bloodstream, which can cause inflammation. High levels of inflammation have been linked to obesity and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. Gingivitis, a gum disease caused by bacteria, also increases your risk of weight gain. It can trigger the body’s immune response, releasing cytokines that can increase your risk for insulin resistance and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Gum disease can also increase your risk of premature death. A study of more than 15,000 people found that people with gum disease were 40% more likely to die prematurely than those without gum disease.
Reduced risk of heart attack
Dry mouth has been linked to high blood pressure and heart attack, especially in people taking certain medications. Dry mouth has also been linked to low “good” cholesterol levels. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream. This has been linked to plaque buildup in arteries and high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of a heart attack. Gum disease is also linked to an increased risk of a heart attack. The bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, triggering an immune response like the one that leads to insulin resistance and obesity. A study of more than 14,000 people found that people with periodontal disease were twice as likely to have a heart attack.
Lower dental care costs
Cavities are caused by bacteria transferred from your mouth to your food. Cavities can be painful, and if left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss. Treating dental issues like cavities can be costly, and some treatments can be painful. Practicing good oral hygiene makes you less likely to develop cavities, which will help lower your dental care costs. If you’re not practicing good oral hygiene, you’re more likely to develop cavities and tooth decay.
Reduced risk of diabetes
Dentists can treat gum disease and help lower a person’s risk of developing diabetes. People with gum disease have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The bacteria from gum disease can travel to the pancreas and cause insulin resistance in the body. To prevent a bacterial buildup in your body, you should practice good oral hygiene and visit the dentist every six months for regular checkups. Regular brushing and flossing can help control the number of bacteria in your mouth and prevent a bacterial buildup in your body.
Conclusion
Good oral hygiene can help maintain a healthy smile and prevent cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues. It can also lower your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Regular brushing and flossing can prevent bacteria buildup and cavities caused by harmful bacteria in your mouth. If you’re unsure how to achieve good oral hygiene, follow these tips to maintain a healthy smile: brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss once daily, visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups, avoid sugary foods and drink plenty of water daily. You can also use mouthwash to keep your mouth fresh and clean! If you’re currently looking for a reliable dental expert, you can visit this one that offers veneers, dentures, and the best dental implants in Chandler.