The benefits of good dental hygiene go beyond bright smiles.
Making sure youre brushing properly, flossing daily, and keeping up with dental appointments preserves your overall health.
Dental problems such asgum diseaseandtooth decaycan contribute to a number of health conditions, includingheart diseaseandpneumonia.
What Conditions Are Linked to Poor Oral Hygiene?
Increasingly, researchers are finding significant connections between your overall health and dental health.
More research is needed, though, to understand why there is this connection.
Thisautoimmune diseasedamages the joints, causing pain and inflammation.
Certain bacteria in the mouth, especiallyPorphyromonas gingivalis, have been found in arthritic joints, indicating an association.
Alzheimers and Dental Care
People with Alzheimer’s disease may need assistance taking care of their teeth.
Caregivers or family members may need to help people with Alzheimer’s brush and floss regularly.
What Conditions Can Worsen Oral Health?
This is especially the case with chronic and long-term conditions.
Heres a quick breakdown of health problems that can affect your mouth.
There are several different types of diabetes, of whichtype 2 diabetesis the most common.
Gum disease can cause tooth loss and other problems.
As a result, its tougher for the body to fight off bacteria in the mouth.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosisis another condition that can cause significant damage to teeth and gums.
Weakened bones in the jaw can also cause problems with dental appliances likebridgesanddentures.
Practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups are important for maintaining your overall health.
Developing good dental hygiene habits and keeping up with dental appointments are part of broader self-care practices.
If youre concerned about your teeth or are due for a checkup, be sure to call your dentist.
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