While many people understand the link between oral hygiene and a beautiful smile, the link between oral hygiene and overall health is lesser-known. Ultimately, maintaining healthy teeth and gums plays a crucial role in managing inflammation and avoiding chronic illness.
Optimal oral hygiene can reduce your risk of:
Chronic Inflammation
Without proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, many people develop gingivitis, the early stages of periodontal disease. If the condition progresses to periodontitis, proteins that trigger inflammation in the gums can spread to other areas of the body, causing systemic inflammation. If this inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Diabetes
There’s a clear link between periodontal disease and diabetes. Periodontal disease can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and vice versa. In fact, individuals with gum disease have up to a 50% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than individuals with healthy gums.
Practicing good oral hygiene will protect your gums to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, maintaining healthy gums may make your diabetes easier to manage by improving the body’s insulin sensitivity.
Lung Conditions
Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, contributing to respiratory infections like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Keeping the mouth clean by brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental cleanings can prevent the inhalation of bacteria into the lungs.
Cardiovascular Disease
In individuals with periodontitis, bacteria from the mouth can move to the arteries, leading to a higher risk of vascular disease. Inflammatory proteins from the gums can also transfer to the blood, which may cause compromised heart health.
Oral hygiene is essential to protect the health of your entire body. To learn more, book an appointment with the experienced team at Dental Implant Solutionz!
