Brushing, flossing, visiting the dentist — we’ve all heard it a thousand times. But how important is oral hygiene, really? The answer may surprise you.
7 Serious Dangers of Not Taking Care of Your Teeth
Most of us remember to brush because we don’t want to get painful cavities. But the dangers of dental problems go way beyond toothaches:
Infections: If left unchecked, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay can provoke infections in your gums, bones or even your bloodstream, putting your health in serious danger.
Heart disease: Chronic gum disease increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and fatal heart attacks. People who have gum disease are two to three times more likely to have one of these heart problems. By keeping your teeth healthy, you keep your heart healthy, too!
Migraine headaches and persistent jaw pain: Letting oral health get to the point where dentists are forced to pull teeth can put extra pressure on your jaw muscles, often triggering TMJ headaches.
Sinus problems: If you get sinus infections constantly, the reason may actually be because of oral hygiene. Your sinus cavity is really close to your mouth, so cavities in your upper teeth can sometimes trigger sinus infections.
Memory issues: Gingivitis, or swollen gums, can have a negative effect on your memory, concentration and overall brain health. Some scientists think there may be a link with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer: A recent study suggests that chronic gum disease can increase the risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer and skin cancer. These findings are new, so more research is needed to confirm them.
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and pneumonia: Evidence suggests that there’s a link between gum disease and other serious health problems such as diabetes and arthritis. Scientists aren’t sure if poor oral health causes them or just makes them worse, but it’s clear that taking care of your teeth is a smart idea.
We’re not sharing this list to scare you. All of those negative risks can turn into positive benefits if you protect your teeth and gums. You can keep your heart in great shape and boost your overall health.
The Reason Gum Disease Affects the Whole Body
Why do dental problems cause so many issues in other parts of your body? One of the main reasons is that it triggers major inflammation.
Unfortunately, the body’s inflammation switch is like a school fire alarm. Pulling the lever in one part of the school turns on the sprinklers in the entire building. Poor dental health doesn’t just cause inflammation in your gums, it can also provoke swelling in your joints, muscles, heart, arteries and brain.
On the other hand, preventing inflammation is one of the best ways to take care of your heart, joints, immune system and nerve cells. Scientists have discovered that focusing on fighting inflammation can reduce the need for coronary bypass surgeries by a whopping 30%!
Tips for Better Oral Hygiene and Overall Health
Why do dental problems cause so many issues in other parts of your body? One of the main reasons is that it triggers major inflammation.
Drink water right away after meals
Brush after breakfast and at bedtime
Use toothpaste with fluoride
Floss between teeth every day
Choose hand-held flossers if it hurts to use dental floss
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