Oral Hygiene Could Save Your Life
Gum Disease Could Cause Heart Failure and Respiratory Problems.
Your mouth is often taken for granted; we eat, drink, kiss and some of us bite our nails yet we expect it to clean itself. Brushing your teeth simply cleans them but if you're a nail biter you can contract all kinds of bacterial diseases simply from putting your fingers in your mouth.
According to 'Revolution Health' "Nail-biting increases the risk of infections around your nail beds and in your mouth. Dental problems and infections of the gums can be caused by nail-biting."
The Importance of Flossing
Regular appointments to your dental hygienist could reveal that between brushing and caring for your teeth and tongue you also need to protect your gums by flossing. Flossing once a day can decrease the risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and respiratory disease. The 'British Dental Health Foundation' say "Studies have proved that infections in the mouth can cause problems in the body."
Brushing your tongue has become ever more popular these days with TV ads promoting the latest new toothbrush that could probably clean your whole house if programmed correctly, but one thing that many people either forget to do or cannot be bothered to do could actually be the one part of your oral hygiene routine that would save your life.
Major Causes of Tooth Loss & Decay
According to the BDHF "the two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease." Many people think that by brushing their teeth they're doing all they can to protect them but the truth is they are only half way there. If you don't look after your teeth and gums properly you could cause more harm... to your body. Preventing tooth loss isn't as simple as brushing; just because you have all your teeth doesn't mean they're healthy.
Gum Disease; Affects to the Body
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is when your gums swell up and bleed when brushed. Gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. All types of periodontal disease affect the gums and eventually the bone that supports the teeth.
Gum disease in adults is very common and most will people suffer from it. You could go through most of your life not having known you suffer from a gum disease, as it is often painless. If left untreated it can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth becoming very painful.
So how does it affect the rest of our bodies? Bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood stream and affect the heart and lungs causing blood clots to form and preventing the flow of blood. "People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than those without gum disease" says the BDHF.
Studies performed by the BDHF have revealed a link between mouth infections and strokes. People diagnosed with a stroke are more likely to have gum disease. Also people with gum disease have higher levels of bacteria in their mouths and may therefore be more likely to get chest infections.
The BDHF say "there are now many specialized formulations of toothpaste available including tartar control, toothpaste for sensitive teeth and total care toothpastes." Using an anti-septic/anti-bacterial mouthwash after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can wash away any debris that flossing and brushing leaves behind and prevents halitosis (bad breath).
You should ask your dentist about electric toothbrushes, with oscillating and rotating action as they are found to be better at removing plaque than manual brushes.
Perhaps you'll think twice about what you put in tour mouth.
Holly7x5.jpg
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Health & Wellness
Latest Articles