Take Control Of Your Dental Health And Hygiene
Dental habits — like brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing daily — are a great start to a healthy oral regimen. Getting biannual dental check-ups in addition to your annual medical check-up could help prevent other major health issues like heart disease and chronic kidney disease. The article below provides additional insight on the relationship between dental care and overall health care.
Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Get the facts about how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.
Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Protect yourself by learning more about the connection between your oral health and overall health.
Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, including tooth decay and gum disease.
In addition, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.
Studies also suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease — might play a role in some diseases. In addition, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.
Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, head and neck cancers and Sjogren’s syndrome — an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth.
Because of these potential links, tell your dentist if you’re taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you’ve had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:
Author: Mayo Clinic Staff
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Oral Health: A Window to Your Overall Health.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 April 2016, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475.
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