You only get one set of adult teeth and these are supposed to last you for a lifetime. In the past, it was common to have lost most of your teeth by the time you were 50. Today, better healthcare and improved cleaning habits mean that many more people are keeping their teeth into old age.
That’s useful as good teeth allow you to smile which boosts your confidence. They also make eating and talking significantly easier.
But, what you may not realize is that your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. In short, poor oral hygiene will increase the risk of you having an array of diseases. Specifically, it increases the likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, and even stroke.
Good Oral Care Practices
The key to oral care is to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Alongside this, you should floss once a day and you can also use mouthwash. Most importantly, you should see a reputable dentist, such as this dentist Arana Hills, at least once a year. They will help you detect issues early and rectify them before they affect your overall health.
Plaque
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly then there will be a buildup of plaque on them. This is the sticky stuff left on your teeth after bacteria in your mouth react with the sugars you eat. This plaque eventually hardens around the gum line. At this point it traps bacteria between it and your teeth or gumline, allowing them to attack your teeth as much as they like.
If this continues for an extended amount of time, your teeth will develop caries and you may need to get dental implants in Sacramento if they become completely damaged.
Alongside this, small pieces of plaque can break off and enter your bloodstream. They will line your arteries and, over time, can cause blockages. When this happens you’ll experience reduced blood flow to an area of your body. This can trigger cardiovascular issues, heart attacks, and even strokes.
Bacteria
It’s not just plaque that can access your bloodstream. There are many blood vessels close to the surface of your mouth. This makes it surprisingly easy for bacteria to enter your blood and move around your body. The bacteria can cause infections and illness. Research is currently ongoing to confirm a link between bacteria and Alzheimer’s.
The poorer your oral health standards the greater the likelihood of bacteria entering your bloodstream and causing issues.
It should be noted that, in most cases, this is a gradual buildup. That’s why it is so important to have regular dental appointments and get any issues dealt with early. Seeing your dentist won’t just protect your smile and your teeth, it can help you to stay healthy and enjoy a high quality of life for longer.
Looking After Yourself
Of course, oral hygiene should be considered alongside the standard approaches to better health. That means looking at your diet and trying to avoid processed foods, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly. All these things can make you feel better about yourself and help you to maintain your health.
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