A healthy mouth and a healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can greatly improve your overall health, and lowering the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your later years. The phrase “healthy mouth, healthy you” is really true – and it’s backed up by growing scientific evidence.
Healthy dental habits learned in childhood can pay off in adulthood. And if you’re tempted to shrug off your good oral health habits to your kids – the chore of brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, and seeing your dentist on a regular basis despite the fear of dental poisoning – remember that as a parent, you’re a role model for your children.
If you’re that determine to teach your kids good oral habits, keep in mind these ways that healthy teeth and gums boost overall health:
It Helps Boost Your Self-Esteem and Confidence
Decayed teeth and gum disease are sometimes linked not only with an unsightly mouth but very bad breath – so bad that it can greatly affect your confidence, self-image and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth free from any kind of gum disease and cavities, you’re quality of life will no doubt become better – you eat properly, sleep better and focus with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.
May Help Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been linked with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels and even strokes.
Professionals stop short of saying there’s a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems; however, the link has shown up in a number of studies. The findings of these studies may help suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect your overall health.
It Helps Preserve Your Memory
Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than those people with healthier gums and mouths. On the other hand, people with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: namely a delay in verbal recall and subtraction – both of which are used in everyday life.
Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help lower bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.
Helps Lower Risks of Infection and Inflammation in your Body
Poor oral health has been associated with the development of infections in other parts of the body.
Research has also found a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation of the joints. Experts states that the mechanism of the destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is one and the same.
Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist on a regular basis, and good oral hygiene helps lower your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure that you also brush your teeth twice a day the least and floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
Sure you’ve heard a couple of stories that visiting a dentist can be harmful due to the dental amalgam treatments they offer; however, if you just maintain proper oral health and pass it down to the young ones, you’ll have no problem at all.
