Your teeth and gums
are just as important as the rest of your body, and if you are slack with your
oral hygiene habits, you could be asking for trouble.
The American Dental Association explains that brushing twice and flossing once each day should be
part of your oral health routine. You should also follow a good diet with
plenty of fruits and veggies. Include dairy products as well for strong bones
and teeth. Of course, regular dental checkups, twice a year or more so if you
are susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease, should also be added to the mix.
The health of your
mouth is a reflection of your entire body as your mouth really is the gateway
to the rest of your body.
Regular checkups can
tell your dentist quite a bit about the rest of your body, including whether or
not you could be at risk when it comes to chronic disease.
Poor Oral Health Can
Affect your Overall Health
Recent studies have
suggested that your mouth mirrors the rest of your body as a whole. In other
words if your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy, your overall health is
probably good as well. On the other hand, poor oral health could indicate other
health issues.
The Academy of General Dentistry explains that there is a relationship between stroke and
heart disease and periodontitis. Perodontitis is the more serious form of gum
disease and can cause other health implications as well. Studies also show that
pregnant women who have gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely.
Other research is
showing that over 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations
including dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and gum problems.
Some of the diseases
include:
- Diabetes
- Oral Cancer
- Leukemia
- Kidney Disease
- Heart Disease
If you have regular
checkups with your dentist, he or she may be able to spot or even diagnose a
health problem in the early stages.
Keeping your mouth
healthy should be a priority, and if you can’t remember the last time you saw
your dentist, call or click and schedule an appointment today.
