Making sure to take care of your mouth, both teeth and gums will give you a clean, bright smile. But it will do more than that. Having good oral hygiene will improve your overall health, effectively reducing risk of dangerous and life-threatening diseases or even preserving your precious memory as you get older. Teaching your young ones to take care of their teeth and gums is imperative for their health and young minds as well – and it can pay off in adulthood. Being a good example for your children in this matter is no joking matter. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash as well as seeing your dentist regularly will show them that oral hygiene is important, and will keep them (and you) healthy and happy for years to come. At Agape Dental Care in Bremerton, WA we make sure you get the treatment you need to prevent oral disease, as well as fixing crooked teeth with Invisalign, taking care of any fillings you may need, along with dentures, bridges or crowns. Having these things in place can prevent oral-based diseases.
The Facts and Lowering Health Risks
Taking care of your teeth is directly tied to your health. Tooth decay and gum disease often leads to social awkwardness because it often causes bad breath along with an unsightly mouth. This can affect and damage your self-image, self-esteem and confidence. When you take care of your mouth and there’s no sign of cavities or gums disease, the opposite is true. You have confidence and your quality of life becomes much better. You can eat properly, sleep better and concentrate on activities in everyday life without having to worry about an aching tooth or mouth infections to get in your way.
Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Adults with gingivitis performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths. Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction — both skills used in everyday life. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis. Poor oral health has been linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body as well.
Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of the destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar. Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you brush twice a day, floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash once a day.
People with uncontrolled diabetes often have gum disease. Having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infection, including gum infections that can lead to serious gum disease. Experts have even found that if you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop more severe gum problems than someone without diabetes. That, in turn, may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health may help with blood sugar control if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Women may experience increased gingivitis during pregnancy. Some research suggests a relationship between gum disease and preterm, low-birthweight infants. Not all studies have found a solid link, but maintaining good oral health is still the best goal. If you’re pregnant, visit your dentist or periodontist as part of your prenatal care. Consider it good practice for the role modeling that lies ahead for all new parents
