Considering that 1 in 3 adults has tooth decay, it is vital to learn how your oral hygiene can impact your overall health. Indeed, regular brushing and flossing regularly improve oral health, but few people know there’s more.
For instance, medical research has established a link between poor oral health and heart attacks. Surprisingly, your general well-being depends on dedicating total commitment to your teeth and gums. That said, here are four unexpected health benefits of good oral hygiene.
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Improved heart health
Bacteria and plaque in your mouth can cause cavities and gum inflammation by secreting acidic by-products mixed with your saliva. With time, the acids cause gum inflammation and produce more oral bacteria. Moreover, oral bacteria migrate due to the salivary and mucosal conditions in the mouth and can find their way into your bloodstream. Unfortunately, this can impact your heart health, increasing your cardiovascular condition risks.
The human heart pumps blood to all body parts, giving all your organs their share of this vital life-giving fluid. However, when oral bacteria invade the bloodstream, they colonize arteries and secrete plaque within the vessel walls.
After a while, it becomes difficult for blood to flow through quickly, increasing your chances of a heart attack or stroke. With this revealing information in mind, it is best to practice preventative dentistry to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
It helps prevent the worsening of diabetes symptoms
People with diabetes struggle to keep their blood sugar in control. However, poor oral hygiene can exacerbate their symptoms and even create stronger insulin resistance. Furthermore, periodontal disease is common in people with diabetes due to increased blood sugar levels made to the gums and teeth.
It, therefore, explains why regular dental checks are an enhanced requirement for people with diabetes. You can keep diabetes from worsening with good oral hygiene and continue to live a healthy life.
Better cognitive health in old age
Research has shown that older adults with better oral health tend to boost their cognitive health. Remember that when gum and tooth inflammation occurs, the causative organisms migrate too. Some can travel as far as the brain and cause low-level inflammation there.
Naturally, the body will produce substances to resolve infections and inflammation. When this happens in the brain, it can cause a deterioration of brain cells, resulting in cognitive decline in your golden years.
Gastrointestinal system
Disease-causing oral bacteria can find their way into the gastrointestinal tract. When this happens, the digestive tract is forced to produce enzymes to kill them off. However, while resolving the situation, this might result in compromised gut health. Now you know that your oral health will not benefit only your teeth, gums, and tongue.
Finally, there are several more advantages to your general well-being. Poor oral health has never produced good results and is not going to start now. So, the next time you’re brushing and flossing, keep in mind that this simple activity has a positive ripple effect all over your body.