The importance of oral health has been taught to everyone since we first started using a toothbrush. We all know that brushing the teeth twice a day helps fight with everyday gum problems and should be included in our daily routine. A good and healthy mouth helps to prevent not only gum diseases but also other health problems. More studies are conducted regarding gum disease inflammation with other conditions such as strokes, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In short, your oral health is more important than you might think and brings many surprising benefits to your health. Let us discuss how the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.

What is oral health care?

Good oral care is the factor to a healthy lifestyle as it reduces the risk of many bacterial borne diseases. And most importantly, when you wear that beautiful and healthy smile, it brings and promotes your confidence. But when it comes to dental problems, children are the ones who are mostly affected. However, only children don’t need to be prone to more dental issues; when adults do not care and maintain a good oral care routine, they are badly affected and prone to other health issues.

Why is good oral hygiene essential?

When we follow bad or poor oral care hygiene, it can range from various tooth decay and cavities to gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss. Luckily, the proper oral routine can prevent most of these problems. If you do not clean your teeth regularly, you are putting yourself at a higher risk of tooth decay. However, the early symptom of tooth decay is sensitivity to hot and cold beverages. When you intake these things, you can feel pain in your teeth. Your teeth consume the carbohydrates present in the foods and drinks, and when not cleaned properly, it turns out to be in decay. These bacteria can start to form plaque within 20 minutes of eating. When you eat these items regularly, you need to clean your teeth more often than twice a day. Bacteria are present in the mouth, and regular cleaning and limiting your sugary food can help you to prevent tooth decay.

Cleaning helps you prevent gum diseases, but it is also related to your overall wellness. Let us understand the connection between oral health and your overall health. Like your other body parts, your mouth is the entrance of bacteria through your digestive and respiratory tract, causing various diseases in your body. Usually, good oral hygiene routine, such as brushing and flossing, helps keep the bacteria in control. But without it, bacteria can reach levels that might result in oral infections such as decay and gum disease.

How to manage good oral hygiene?

To protect your oral health, follow a good oral hygiene routine mentioned as below-

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth daily, and it should be practiced gently between the teeth in different motions.
  • Maintain a healthy eating diet routine that includes vegetables, celery, and apples suitable for your teeth.
  • Keep an interval between snacks and meals.
  • Avoid brushing right after the meal, and try to brush after 30 minutes so the loosened enamel can break, leading to gum problems.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner when the bristles get spread out.
  • Avoid eating too starchy or sugary food.
  • Use a mouthwash to remove remaining food particles after brushing and flossing.
  • Avoid using tobacco products.
  • Make an appointment with the dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning.

Surprising benefits of maintaining oral care routine:

  • It reduces the risk of heart disease-

When you do not follow an oral care routine and avoid brushing and flossing your teeth, you are indirectly allowing gum disease to form your gums to bleed. It results in oral bacteria to enter your bloodstreams and all over the body. When the bacteria enter through your blood, it increases the possibility of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, strokes, and blood vessels. Luckily, you can lower the risk by maintaining excellent or oral health. But if you notice early signs of gum disease such as bleeding and swollen gums, visit your dentist for treatment.

  • It helps to maintain your memory-

A study conducted showed that people with common oral health issues such as gingivitis have worse memory and skills tests than those with healthier mouths. Again, this is because of oral bacteria that enter your blood and nerve channels that connect to your brain. This kills your brain cells and leads to loss of memory and the formation of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, using antibacterial toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

  • It helps to improve fertility and pregnancy-

Studies have shown that women struggling with fertility must check for their oral health as poor dental health can conceive a baby. It is so because gum disease affects the estrogen and progestogen hormones and other reproductive organs. Studies have also shown that women with poor oral health might take two months longer to get pregnant than good dental health. Once a woman conceives, it is necessary to follow an excellent oral health care routine to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Other studies have suggested that gum disease can even lead to early deliveries and low birth weight infants.

  • It decreases the risk of cancer-

When you have weak oral care, it may lead to certain types of cancer, such as oral or pancreatic cancer. It is believed that the oral bacteria entering your bloodstream can increase cancer cells’ growth. The early symptoms can include difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, or numbness in your mouth. If you notice such signs, then visit the dentist immediately.

  • It decreases the chances of diabetes-

Poor oral health can lead to 2 types of diabetes, or else it can also worsen the condition of diabetes when you already have it. The people with gum problems are more likely to develop two diabetes types than those with healthy gums. Diabetes and gum problems share a two-way relationship as diabetes can lead to severe gum problems such as tissue damage and tooth loss. So, brush, floss, and rinse your mouth correctly and keep an eye on your blood sugar level.

Conclusion:

Maintaining good oral health can help you to lead a healthy life. It not only protects your mouth from getting oral issues but also helps to prevent various other diseases. All you need to do is to follow a routine which includes proper care for your mouth. And make sure to visit some of the best dentists in Phoenix for regular check-ups and cleaning of your mouth.