If you thought good oral hygiene is all about bright teeth and fresh breath, you're wrong. Good oral hygiene has surprising benefits to your overall health. Did you know that problems in your mouth can affect other body parts, or that your oral health gives clues about your overall health? Good oral health prevents bad breath, cavities, and gum disease, but it doesn't end there. Here are five surprising reasons why oral care matters.
1. Reduced risk of heart disease
Poor oral hygiene results in gum disease which, in turn, leads to bleeding of the gums. This enables bacteria from your mouth to enter your bloodstream and spread all over your body. This increases inflammation throughout the body and can lead to a severe heart condition known as atherosclerosis, a dangerous form of cardiovascular disease.
Fortunately, all you need is to maintain good oral health to eliminate this risk. In case you notice early signs of gum disease such as swollen gums and bleeding, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible for advice and treatment.
2. Good oral health could imply a healthier pregnancy and improved fertility.
Routine check-ups with a dental hygienist and dentist are crucial during pregnancy. Pregnant women with poor oral health are at a higher risk of delivering low birth weight and pre-term babies compared to women with good oral health. Such babies are at a higher risk of complications, including birth abnormalities, asthma, ear infection, and developmental problems. Also, pre-term and low birth weight babies are at a higher risk of infant death. Pregnant women need to maintain optimum oral health, not just for themselves, but for their unborn babies, too.
In case you're a woman struggling with fertility issues, you might need to check your teeth. Research indicates that women with gum disease take 60 days longer to become pregnant than those with good oral health.
3. Decreased cancer risk
Although observing proper oral hygiene doesn't guarantee you'll be cancer-free, it reduces the risk of oral and pancreatic cancer. Research has indicated that oral bacteria in the bloodstream boost the growth of cancer cells. You can reduce this risk by reducing oral bacteria.
During routine check-ups, a dentist will inspect all soft tissues and will be able to detect early signs of oral cancer.
4. Reduced risk of respiratory infections
Every time you take a breath, oral bacteria are carried to the lungs. This leaves you susceptible to respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
5. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
As mentioned above, oral bacteria increase inflammation throughout the body. This increases insulin resistance. You are, therefore, at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, or it can become worse if you already have it.
Good oral health is vital to our overall health. Ensure you brush and floss at least twice a day. Never skip routine cleanings and check-ups. Remember, straight teeth aren't just for a pretty smile. Properly aligned teeth are easy to clean, unlikely to develop cavities, and your jaw remains strong. If you have gapped, broken, misaligned, or crooked teeth, porcelain veneers are a perfect solution.
