The secret to a good smile is having a mouth full of healthy teeth. A secret to good health is also a mouth full of healthy teeth. Good hygiene and excellent oral health are essential in improving and maintaining your overall health. Curious about how you can maintain good oral hygiene? Here are some ways that maintaining a healthy mouth keeps you healthy on a daily basis:
- More confidence and better self-esteem – Gum disease and decaying teeth can lead to a less than flattering mouth as well as bad breath on a consistent basis. The unsightly mouth can make you afraid to smile and talk with others on a regular basis. A healthy mouth without bad teeth and gum disease can help you feel more confident with interacting with others on a daily basis.
- Lower chance of heart disease – The inflammation from gum disease that happens on a consistent basis is actually linked to cardiovascular problems like blocked blood vessels, heart disease and strokes. While many experts don’t talk about this connection on a regular basis, the link has been discussed in enough studies that make the case for good oral health promoting good overall health.
- Better memory – A report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry showed that adults suffering from bleeding and swollen gums had worse results on memory tests than adults with much healthier mouths. In fact, test subjects with gingivitis often performed worse on tests involving subtraction and verbal recall. Using toothpaste or mouthwash on a regular basis can help get rid of bacteria that cause gingivitis.
- Lower infection and inflammation risks – Research has shown a connection between less than stellar oral health and infection development in various parts of the body. In fact, the research has highlighted connections between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in the joints. Regular visits to the dentist and good oral health habits can help reduce the chances of gum disease.
- Blood Sugar Stability – It’s been shown in past research that people who suffer from uncontrolled diabetes often suffer from gum disease. Diabetes makes it harder to fight off infections of all kinds, including infections in the gums, and this can lead to serious gum disease. Some experts have also found that patients with diabetes are more likely to have serious gum problems than those without diabetes which might make it hard to control the blood sugar levels. Good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of gum disease as well possibly make it easier to control blood sugar levels.
- Help pregnant women when carrying a baby to term – There is a chance that women can experience an increased level of gingivitis during pregnancy. In fact, some research has shown a connection between gum disease and infants that are born early or underweight. While a solid link has not been established between gum disease and early births, practicing good oral care is still the best option for all patients.
