An unhealthy mouth can lead to…
The health of your mouth is incredibly important and can affect your overall health. Taking good care of your teeth can prevent multiple issues that will have a larger impact on you. We want to tell you everything about oral health and, most importantly, how to maintain a healthy mouth.
Oral health and disease
Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum inflammation, providing an opportunity for bacteria to cause damage. Unfortunately, the damage is not limited to the mouth.
Heart and vascular disease
Poor oral care can contribute to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart and vascular disease. The immune system plays a significant role. Researchers suspect that the immune system’s response to inflammation in the mouth also triggers inflammation in atherosclerosis.
Pneumonia
Frequent gum inflammation or other oral problems can lead to pneumonia. This is particularly common among the elderly, with as many as 43% of older adults with poor dental health experiencing pneumonia as a result.
Alzheimer’s disease
The inflammatory substances released from inflamed gums are linked to brain inflammation that can cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Fertility problems
Inflamed gums are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and babies with low birth weight.
Possible symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Toothache
- Dry mouth
- Receding gums
- Frequent canker sores
- Sensitivity and pain when consuming hot and cold foods/drinks
Tips for a healthy mouth:
Brushing teeth
Brush your teeth twice a day. Spend 2 minutes per brushing session. Use an electric toothbrush for optimal results, as it removes plaque better than a manual toothbrush.
Tongue scraper
Bacteria can stick to the tongue, so it’s important to keep it clean. Use a tongue scraper after brushing your teeth.
Visit the dentist
Regularly visit the dentist to help prevent oral health problems. If there are any issues with your teeth, you can address them promptly.
Daily flossing
Maintain oral health by flossing daily. This helps protect the gums against inflammation.
Limit sugar
We all know that sugar is not good for the teeth. Bacteria in your mouth convert sugar into acid, which damages your teeth and enamel.
