We know brushing and flossing regularly is important in keeping our smile healthy and bright, but did you ever think not practicing this daily could have a serious impact on your overall health?
Research shows that it can. In fact, according to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, people with gum disease were four times more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. People who smoke or use tobacco, have a much greater risk of cancer. Plus, people with gum disease are more likely to have compromised immune systems. And, these are just a few.
The Mayo Clinic, as well as a report from ABC News, highlight some additional areas of concern when it comes to oral health care and general health, including:
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Dementia
• Respiratory Infections
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy Complications
• Infertility
• Cancer
• Kidney Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sounds severe, that simply keeping up on your oral health care can make such a difference. Think about it like this, your mouth is the primary entryway into your body. It houses a significant amount of bacteria, both good and bad. If you don’t keep your mouth clean, the bad bacteria get out of control causing sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. These infections can get into the bloodstream and cause more serious issues throughout your body, like the ones described above.
So, how do we prevent these issues, you may ask? It’s easy really, “the best way to stay healthy is to brush and floss your teeth daily. We may sound like a broken record, but these are the tried and true, best ways to practice good oral health care,” says Dr. Espinosa.
We also have a few additional suggestions for keeping a healthy mouth including; using toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride, eating a healthy diet, limiting sugar intake, and avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco. Try committing to these practices in the New Year!
It is important to us, at Bonita Del Rey Dental Care, to keep you well informed. If you have any questions, please contact our office to schedule a free consultation or second opinion. Also, let us know if you have additional suggestions on blog articles.
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