Keeping our teeth healthy, clean, and fresh all the time is hard. Some factors can affect our teeth and oral health. Obtaining healthy teeth demands a lifetime of care. Even if other people tell you that you have beautiful teeth, it is essential to make the proper steps in taking care of your teeth to prevent problems and other diseases.
So, why does poor oral health lead to health issues? Since our mouth is the central passageway through our body, weak oral health can have harmful effects for our whole system. Bad breath, bleeding gums, and stinging teeth are all indications of poor oral well-being. Germs from the mouth can go quickly into the bloodstream and cause infection and inflammation wherever it spreads.
Top 5 Diseases from Poor Oral Health
Cardiovascular Disease
- You probably are at risk of heart disease if you have weak oral health. It may appear strange, but the germs inside our mouth produce periodontal diseases which can enter the bloodstream and can cause plaque build-up and thickening of the arteries.
- This stiffening of the veins is called atherosclerosis, and it is severe. It leads to bloodstream difficulties and heart blockages, and it progresses to the possibility of having a heart failure.
- The damaging result on the arteries and blood vessels can lead to hypertension and boost the risk for strokes.
- A fatal condition which occurs when the lining of the heart becomes infected when the germs from the other part of the body, especially in your mouth spread out, is called Endocarditis.
Respiratory Infection
- After further research about the connection between bacteria in the mouth and lung disease, dentists are warning us that low oral hygiene can cause respiratory infections.
- Germs inside your mouth from infected teeth and swollen gums can be inhaled into the lungs or pass there through the bloodstream.
- Once the bacteria are there, it can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Kidney Disease
- The chronic renal disease affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure, as it is a severe health problem. Body infections, like periodontal disorders, can lead to kidney diseases as well.
- In general, people with gum disease have weaker immune systems and are more likely to become infected.
- Many people who suffer from frail oral health also endure from kidney disease.
- Renal disease can be fatal if it causes kidney failure or heart disease.
Dementia
- Low oral health may have an impact on the brain. Substances released from infected gums can kill brain cells and cause memory loss.
- Gingivitis may result in dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease if the bacteria in the mouth spread to or into the nerve channels.
- Each day, activities such as eating and brushing the teeth and dentures could enable bacteria to enter the brain.
Cancer
- Low oral health habits such as smoking or using tobacco products can head to oral and throat tumors, though other kinds of cancer are linked to gum disease.
- For persons with poor oral health, the risk of kidney failures, pancreatic issues, and blood cancer is much higher.
Good oral hygiene and frequent appointments to the dentist are the safest ways to control serious health problems caused by insufficient oral health. However, adhering to a handful of best practices to maintain healthy teeth won’t hurt. Here are the top seven ways to keep your oral health in topnotch condition.
7 Ways to Maintain Healthy Teeth
- Brush Often
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the essential methods for eliminating plaque and bacteria while keeping the teeth clean. Nevertheless, brushing may only be useful if people do the right procedures.
- You should brush using small circular movements, taking care to clean the front, back, and top of every tooth. This procedure lasts for two to three minutes. People should avoid sawing back-and-forth motions.
- Brushing aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can weaken tooth enamel and the gums. The results of this may incorporate tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective coating on the teeth, and gum erosion.
- It is advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is also a rule to change your toothbrush every three months or when the end starts to look frayed.
- You can also add mouthwash after every brushing to clean your whole mouth, including your tongue.
- Use fluoride-based toothpaste
If you are looking for toothpaste, make sure that it contains more than just whitening power, and flavor. It should include fluoride regardless of which brand or make it is. Although fluoride has been examined by those who are concerned about its effects on other health areas, it remains a cornerstone in oral health. Last but not least, fluoride is essential for protecting your tooth from decay. It works by combating germs, which can lead to decay.
- Floss is important as brushing
Most people do not use floss after brushing their teeth because they thought that they only use floss if they have food particles stuck in their teeth. Little did they know, flossing assists us to stimulate our gums, reduce plaque, and help lower infection in your mouth. To reap all the benefits from flossing, once a day is enough.
- Get an appointment with your dentist at least twice a month
It is necessary to secure an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year. They will not only remove calculus and look for cavities, but they can also spot potential issues and may offer treatment solutions. It is necessary to know if you have dental problems such as gingivitis or many cavities to prevent a more severe illness to your whole system.
- Quit smoking
Smoking damages the immune system that makes it difficult for the body, even in the mouth, to heal tissues. Smoking poses great risks for gum diseases. Doctors say that people who smoke may experience slow healing after a dental procedure. Tobacco also affects the appearance of the mouth, causing teeth and tongue to turn yellow and bad breath as well.
- Ditch sugary drinks
Water is still your health’s best drink in terms of oral health. Drinking water after every meal can help remove some of the negative results of glutinous and acidic food and beverages in between brushing. Sugar-based drinks are the number one source of added sugars in the typical diet of almost everyone in the world. Sipping on soda, juice and other sugary drinks can lead to a bigger chance of cavities. It is recommended to drink water or unsweetened tea throughout the day to alleviate cavities and bacteria.
- Eat raw fruits and vegetables
Ready-to-eat food is convenient, but not for your teeth. It is also best to eat fresh and crunchy produce that contains healthier fiber for your teeth’s well-being. Steer clear of processed food. Keep your choices as organic as possible. And remember, chewing is beneficial for your teeth’s enamel.
Final Thoughts
Proper dental care can help people keep their teeth and gums healthy from childhood until adulthood. Brushing and flossing daily, staying away from harmful toxins, eating a healthy diet, and ensuring regular dental examinations can help avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems which can benefit your overall oral health.
Author Bio: Sarah Brooks is a passionate blogger who adores expounding on health, beauty, food, travel and more. She enjoys sharing beauty and health care tips to stay healthier and happier. She is currently working with Dentist Dr Powell, owned by Sherry Powell one of the leading dentist in West Columbia.
