Oral Hygiene Effects Your Overall Health
October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), it is a month-long observance of the importance of proper oral hygiene. Unfortunately, with our hectic lifestyle we often have little time for a daily preventative oral hygiene routine. This has lead to an estimated 75% of Americans reportedly having periodontal disease.
The health of your mouth is also a sign of your overall health. Many of the symptoms of diabetes, HIV, some eating disorders, and other serious diseases are first seen in the mouth. For instance, if you have gum disease, you may be more likely to get heart disease or to have a stroke, as documented in this month's issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).
Besides the obvious bad breath, pain, and discomfort associated with poor oral health, it can contribute to a number of serious health issues.
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plague is a sticky colorless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums...
...The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream, and has been linked to the clogging of arteries and damage to heart valves. The same bacteria can also travel to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions...
...People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications...
...Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease might be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease.
Regular professional dental visits are important for detection and may reduce the risk of permanent damage and costly treatments in later years. Many of the ill effects of poor oral health can be avoided simply by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, visiting your dental professional every six months, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
I suddenly feel the urge to have my teeth cleaned! I love to brush my teeth with baking soda. I know this sounds nuts, but it's a natural whitener and antibacterial solution when mixed with a tiny bit of water.
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This is a very informative post about gum diesease and what it can do to our system. I know that it is very interesting to know this information because it will tell you just care for your teeth and gums.
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