How Poor Dental Hygiene can affect Good Health

Oral health and overall heath is related. As the mouth is connected with rest of the body, it is important to maintain proper dental hygiene. The mouth indicates many symptoms of body health and diseases. By physically examining your mouth it possible to determine the status of general health, signs of smoking or drug abuse and diseases. Some of the ways in which poor dental health affects general health are:

•   Heart related diseases – the mouth is the major source for a lot of bacteria entering the body leading to infections. Since the mouth and body are connected, bacteria can go through the blood stream and affect arteries; resulting in heart related diseases.

•  Lung contamination – the bacteria can also adversely affect lungs leading to ailments like bacterial pneumonia and other respiratory problems.

•   Risk during pregnancy – gum diseases and other dental problems in pregnant women have a huge impact on the health of the fetus and could possibly lead to complications such premature birth and low weight babies. A dental procedure during pregnancy is highly not recommended, but regular cleaning and dental health check-ups are essential for the mother and the fetus.

•   Diabetes control – oral infections can make it more difficult to control diabetes as it disrupts the amount of sugar in blood levels and saliva. This can lead to oral complications such as gingivitis, burning mouth syndrome, xerostomia (dry mouth), candidiasis, dental caries, infections and periodontal diseases.

Some of the reasons for poor dental health maybe due to a low immune system, blood related and respiratory diseases, heart and diabetic patients, people with vitamin deficiencies and those who use tobacco, or have poor diets and are under particular kinds of medication.

In order to maintain good dental health it is important brush your teeth at least twice a day, change the toothbrush once in every three or four months, floss once a day to keep healthy gums, get a professional cleaning with your dentist to fill in gaps that you may have missed and quit injurious habits such as smoking or drug abuse. Eating correctly is also a great way to reduce cavities and increase nutrients that will help you fight against infections and diseases.

It is important to understand that our body system is inter-related and dependent on each other. Therefore, along with focusing on overall health and body fitness, it is also essential to maintain good dental hygiene.