In order to remain healthy, most people watch their diet, follow an exercise regimen, and are mindful of how much sleep they get. There’s another aspect of health that needs just as much attention: dental hygiene. Oral health can affect everything from the heart to one’s overall mood. Here’s why maintaining good dental hygiene is important.
It Keeps Bacteria at Bay
Brushing and flossing regularly removes plaque from the teeth and gums. Plaque is the sticky coat that forms on the surface of the teeth when food particles mix with saliva and stick to them. Plaque contains millions of bacteria — if it isn’t removed by brushing or flossing daily, it can result in tooth decay and gum disease. To remove plaque, one needs to use an interdental cleaner that can reach into the gaps between the teeth and gum line. There are two types available: dental flosses or water picks/oral irrigators. Both can be used once daily after brushing the teeth with fluoride toothpaste.
It Improves the Overall Appearance
Even if one has the most beautiful smile in the world, poor dental hygiene can leave the person feeling embarrassed and self-conscious when they show off their pearly whites to others. Additionally, bad breath can make it difficult for them to socialize or date without feeling uncomfortable around others. People may be put off by their odor if they’re unaware that it’s an issue caused by poor oral care rather than poor dental hygiene alone.
It Reduces the Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease
Gum disease has been associated with cardiovascular issues, including heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This connection is thought to be due in part to bacteria releasing chemicals into the bloodstream during a periodontal infection. These chemicals, called lipopolysaccharides, cause inflammation throughout the body — including the heart.
It Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Gum disease may increase the risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), leukemia (cancer of blood cells), and multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow). Research states that people with periodontal disease are more likely to get lung cancer than those without it. Although some experts believe this may be due to smoking rather than periodontal disease itself.
It Improves Physical Health
Maintaining good dental hygiene also helps improve overall physical health because it keeps the immune system strong and healthy. This is especially important if one is undergoing chemotherapy or certain types of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can damage the immune system, which may increase the risk of infections such as pneumonia or other illnesses like colds or flu.
