Smile Your Way To Good Health: The Importance Of Oral Hygiene

Oral health goes beyond than just your breath, gums and teeth. WHO defines oral health as �a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual�s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.�[1]

Maintaining a good health care of your mouth, teeth and gums does not only help your appearance and affect your lifestyle, it also reflects the overall health of your body which can show you any signs of infections or diseases before you experience other symptoms.  

Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection

Patients with chronic gum conditions such as gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease have the highest risk for heart disease caused by poor oral health. Bacteria that�s associated with gum infection can enter the blood stream, where they attach to the blood vessels and increase your risk to cardiovascular disease. Other cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and stroke have also been linked to inflammation caused by oral bacteria, according to the American Heart Association.

The link between diabetes and oral health problems is high blood sugar. Diabetes can make the mouth dry, caused by a decreased flow of saliva which can further lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. Since periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, people with uncontrolled diabetes might also experience more frequent and more severe gum disease.

A new study found gum disease bacteria in the brain samples of people with dementia, furthering the research into the link between oral health and dementia. Poor dental health increased the likelihood of dementia by 30% to 40% over a 32-year period, regardless of cardiovascular status, according to a report at the International Society of Vascular Behavioural and Cognitive Disorders.

The mouth plays an integral role in the digestive system as it is where physical and chemical digestive processes begin. Poor oral hygiene can cause bad bacteria in your saliva to travel down to your stomach, which can cause an imbalance in your digestive system, and subsequently digestive problems such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Heartburn), Inflammatory Bowel Disease and peptic ulcers.

Yellow teeth and bad breath are not the only signs that indicate you may be neglecting your oral hygiene and health. Here are others:

Brush Twice A Day: It not only cleans your teeth but also stimulates your gums. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride, which helps to fight tooth decay and protects your gums and teeth.

While your personal daily habits are crucial to your overall oral health, it is recommended to visit your dentist for cleanings and check-up at least twice a year. Seeing a dentist not only keeps your mouth in top shape but also allows your dentist to detect potential health issues and offer treatment solutions. Prevention is always better than cure.