When you consider what makes a healthy person, you think about exercising and proper nutrition. The last thing you’d consider would be your oral health and hygiene. Recent research has established a link between your oral hygiene and serious illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory problems, and Alzheimer’s. Learn about the connection and how you can protect your overall health by visiting your dentist in Melbourne.
What Does The Research Say?
A collection of recent studies has established a link between the common oral health issue, gum disease, and your overall health. Your body has a massive microbiome that is home to an incalculable number of bacteria, some bad, some helpful. When you brush and floss daily, you help control the growth of these. Without proper hygiene, these bacteria can grow and lead to oral infections, decay, and gum disease. They can also release toxins that can get into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body.
Sometimes, your mouth can become infested with bacteria even if you keep up with your oral hygiene. When you take medications like decongestants, antihistamines, and antidepressants, it can cause your mouth to become dry. Saliva is a vital component in rinsing away bacteria and food debris to prevent oral health issues.
What Illnesses Are Linked To Gum Disease?
So how are oral bacteria linked to serious illnesses? These harmful bacteria cause inflammation in your gums, and when they travel through your bloodstream, they can also do the same in your heart and respiratory system. With 1 in 2 American adults affected by gum disease, it’s never been more important to protect yourself. Some health conditions that have been linked to your mouth include:
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer’s
Other conditions include respiratory problems like pneumonia, immune system disorders, and birth complications.
How Can You Protect Your Health?
By fortifying your oral health, you can protect your overall health. Practicing good oral hygiene is half the battle for preventing gum disease. When you brush twice each day and floss, you regularly clear away harmful bacteria and plaque and tartar. Additionally, using an antibacterial mouth rinse can be a great way to remove lingering food particles.
Visiting your dentist for your semi-annual checkups and cleanings is a vital part of identifying health problems early and treating them successfully. Your dental professional can also help remove any plaque and tartar from those hard-to-reach places in your mouth that you can’t get to with a regular toothbrush. Protect your body by keeping up with your mouth. Get the green light on your oral health so you can feel confident and healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose has been serving her community in Melbourne for over two decades. She stays on top of the most recent advancements in her field by being an active member of several professional associations. She has also completed extensive post-graduate training in special techniques concerning cosmetic dentistry. With Dr. Rose, her patients don’t have to choose between experience and knowledge because they get the best of both worlds! To get high-quality dental care, visit Exceptional dentistry’s website or contact 321-259-4666.