You brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a week – but is that enough to maintain good oral hygiene?
As it turns out, the answer might not be as simple as you think. While self-care is an important aspect of brushing and flossing, there are many other things that should be considered if you want to ensure that your oral health is in top shape.
Researchers have discovered several ways that the state of your mouth relates to the state of other parts of your body, and vice versa. Here are 3 examples:
1) Gum Disease Could Be Tied To A Higher Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke
Researchers have found that there is a definite link between gum disease and cardiovascular diseases. Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with heart disease, if you have gum disease it has major implications in terms of your risk for developing heart disease or stroke.
Why the connection? One reason is because people with heart disease are more susceptible to getting severe infections in general, and chronic problems with infection in the mouth can lead to heart disease in a person who is already at risk. Gum disease is also linked to an increased likelihood of having poor blood flow, which brings with it a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases
Prevention: One way that you can reduce your chances of developing gum disease is by staying away from tobacco products, which can increase inflammation in your mouth and make it more difficult for your body to fight off infection.
2) Gum Disease Is Linked To A Higher Risk Of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
A new study has discovered a strong connection between gum disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes – even if the gum disease is marked only by a simple case of gingivitis. The study discovered that people with type 2 diabetes were more likely to have periodontal disease, and the link was so strong that it applied even when other factors such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and race were taken into account.
Why the connection? One possible reason is that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with poor blood flow, which can result in gum disease due to decreased circulation.
Prevention: The best way to avoid getting gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene every day. You should brush at least twice a day and floss once a week, and make sure you go to your dentist for regular cleanings. If you already have gum disease, then you should talk with your dentist about necessary treatment options.
3) People With Diabetes Are More Likely To Develop Bad Breath
Even though diabetes doesn’t typically cause halitosis (bad breath), it is a common effect. People with diabetes may notice a change in their breath that often smells like acetone or fruit, and this is because their bodies are dealing with the high sugar levels by releasing ketones into the blood stream.
In addition to having a sweet smell, people who have diabetes may notice that their mouth has an unusual bitter taste to it. This is because high sugar levels cause a decrease in saliva, resulting in dry mouth. Saliva helps to clean the mouth and prevent infections from forming, so a lack of saliva leaves your mouth more susceptible to oral bacteria.
Prevention: The best way to avoid bad breath due to diabetes is by keeping blood sugar under control with the proper diet and insulin regiment.
Prevention: The best way to avoid bad breath due to diabetes is by keeping blood sugar under control with the proper diet and insulin regiment. If you already have high blood sugar, then you should make sure that your mouth stays clean by rinsing out your mouth after eating or drinking anything (including water), and try to maintain healthy gums as well by flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day.
Stay away from smoking, as this can increase inflammation in the mouth and make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. Also, be sure to visit your dentist regularly so that any damage done to your gums or teeth can be treated in a timely manner.