Good Oral Health saves more than just your teeth!

Undeniably, we all want to live longer, happier lives, which is why many people follow a healthy diet and live an active lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy body. However, oral hygiene is often the most overlooked aspect of healthy living and many give their mouth less attention than required. Did you know that placing more emphasis on your oral care could prevent some of the problems related not only to your mouth health but your overall well-being, too?

General health problems related to poor oral health

There are a number of health problems that scientists have found are systemically linked to oral health, such as heart disease and dementia. Research has shown that bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream and travel around the body, leading to these health issues. When these bacteria find their way to the arteries it can cause them to harden and thicken, making it more difficult for the blood to feed the heart. In severe cases, arteries thicken so much that blood flow through the body is impossible, dramatically increasing the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Gingivitis, or gum disease, can also lead to endocarditis, which is a life-threatening condition where the inner lining of the heart muscle and its valves becomes inflamed and infected. Studies have also found a connection between gum disease and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Since bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel through nerve channels, they can also reach the brain, suggest researchers at The UCLan (University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry).

A blood sugar imbalance is particularly troublesome for people with diabetes. Either periodontal disease or gum inflammation can make it much more difficult to control blood glucose, which, in turn, worsens diabetes-related symptoms. Also, given the fact that diabetes sufferers are more prone to develop periodontal disease, it is crucial to make sure they have good oral health with regular checkups and hygiene visits.

Problems inside the mouth due to poor oral health

Of course, poor oral health also leads to numerous problems within the mouth, such as gingivitis, or gum disease. This is when the gums become inflamed and bleed, especially during brushing, and it can lead to infection of the deeper surrounding tissues, eventually resulting in tooth loss. It may even or progress into a more serious condition caused periodontitis, which eventually destroys the bone supporting the teeth.

Gum disease and cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky, whitish film that forms on the surface of the teeth. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist. Without proper care at home and regular visits to your Clyde Munro practice, you risk gum disease, which – as we have already discussed – can lead to eventual tooth loss if left untreated.

One of the most common causes of bad breath is poor oral health and lack of consistent professional cleaning. Regular visits to your Clyde Munro dentist and hygienist will help get rid of the foul-breath-causing bacteria inside the mouth.

Last, but not least, ensuring proper dental care is beneficial to your wallet. Preventing problems, or catching them early, is far more cost-effective than waiting for them to develop and then needing expensive dental work!