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How Dental Hygiene Affects Your Whole Body

Did you know that the health of your mouth affects the health of your entire body? It’s like the window of the body that can help detect other underlying issues that might be occurring elsewhere, such as diabetes and inflammation. That’s why when your dentist tells you to take good care of your teeth and gums; it’s important to really listen!

To learn about how dental hygiene affects your whole body, read on.

Cardiovascular Health

One of the most common ways that poor dental hygiene affects your whole body is through inflammation. When your teeth and gums are neglected, and bacteria and plaque begin to linger along the gum line, it can lead to inflammation or swelling of the gums. But what many patients don’t realize is that inflammation in the mouth can trigger inflammation through your entire body. This can lead to all sorts of issues, in particular, cardiovascular disease or heart disease. Numerous studies have shown direct links between your oral health and your cardiovascular health. And, those who don’t take proper care of their mouth are at a greater risk of developing heart disease and even a heart attack.

Diabetes

In addition to people with diabetes being more susceptible to gum disease, new studies have also shown that since blood glucose levels are impacted by gum disease, it may also cause diabetes to develop in some patients. And with diabetes on the rise, thanks to numerous factors like diet, it’s more important than ever for those with a history of this disease to take exceptional care of their mouth.

Lung Infections

Without regular brushing and cleanings from your dentist, bacteria can wreak havoc on your mouth. And as that bacteria lingers in your mouth, as you inhale, you also end up inhaling that bacteria into your lungs. This can eventually progress into serious lung infections like pneumonia for those who have periodontal disease. And of course, gum disease can make any pre-existing lung conditions even worse over time.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women can also be at greater risk of developing diabetes or delivering a premature, low-weight baby. During pregnancy, women should always make it a priority to visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to avoid any risk of gum disease.

As you can see, oral health and dental hygiene affect your entire body and can lead to some serious health problems when you don’t take proper care of your mouth.  So the next time you consider skipping your brushing or dental cleaning, think about how that might be impacting the state of your entire wellbeing. Remember, it’s often these small, seemingly inconsequential things that can quickly add up to some substantial problems if neglected. To learn more about dental hygiene and how it can impact your body, reach out to us at Rockcliffe Dental for your next appointment. Our team is always happy to answer your questions.

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