Are you one of those people that fall victim to laziness when it comes to oral hygiene? Maybe you’ve had a long, hard day and just don’t feel like brushing your teeth before going to bed. Or perhaps you don’t give it much thought, and before you know, you haven’t brushed or flossed your teeth in days! If this sounds like you, be mindful in what you’re about to read.

The mouth is one of the dirtiest areas of the body. It’s been said that the mouth harbors more bacteria than there are people on this planet, but whether that is an accurate statement or not, the mouth does host an abundance of bacteria.1 What is known, however, is that not all bacteria are bad; bacteria are needed to sustain homeostasis, but when bacteria have time to cultivate in the mouth it can lead to problems like periodontitis, a serious gum disease.2 Gum disease can complicate an already existing health issue or may even bring on a new one. It also makes for an unsightly smile.

Elderly Man BrushingIt doesn’t take long to visibly see when one’s mouth lacks attention. In just a matter of days you’re able to see yellow buildup of dental plaque from not brushing. And when poor oral hygiene continues, the plaque builds giving way to inflammation of the gum and eventually infection.2

Oral Hygiene and General Health

In the not so distant past, oral hygiene was not considered a factor in one’s overall general health, but today, science has proven there is a strong link between the two.2

A poor oral hygiene regimen can be a bacterial breeding ground and when oral hygiene is neglected or ignored it will eventually cause periodontal disease.2 Bacterium associated with periodontitis can enter the bloodstream via bleeding gums which is what links the two together.4 Here are just a few medical conditions linked to poor oral hygiene:

  • Heart disease – Bacteria in the bloodstream can travel to the heart and lead to a heart attack.2,3,4
  • Endocarditis – Bacteria may find its way to the inner linings of the heart and valves which in turn, create growth pockets of bacteria. These pockets cause inflammation and infection of the inner linings of the heart. 1,5
  • Stroke – There are a number of reasons why a stroke may occur – one of them is the narrowing of artery walls and another is blood clots. It is believed that oral bacteria may be a contributing factor to the arteries narrowing as well as blood clots easily forming because of the body’s negative response to the bacteria in the bloodstream. 3,4
  • Inflammation – Inflamed gums and bleeding may cause systemic inflammation. 4
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – It is known that periodontal disease will worsen the pain already suffered by those inflicted with this auto immune disorder.2
  • Lung Condition – Those already suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and pneumonia may have their condition worsened due to an increase of bacteria in their lungs. 2

Prevention

The best way to fight periodontal disease and health issues linked to oral bacteria is to have a good oral hygiene regimen. Removing plaque buildup is necessary to keeping your gums and teeth free from disease. Brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss regularly.2 If you’re unsure of the correct technique to flossing, at your next visit to your dentist have thedental assistant show you the correct procedure to flossing your teeth. Moreover, it’s crucial that see your dentist regularly (once or twice a year) for your checkups and cleanings. If you find you’re having dental problems, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist to prevent further, more severe health complications.

Brushing and flossing is the best prevention to a healthy mouth!

—ENDS—

1. Oral health: A window to your overall health
2. Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection
3. Smile: Healthy teeth can save your life
4. Heart disease and oral health: role of oral bacteria in heart plaque
5. Dental Health and Endocarditis Prevention

  

Oral Health Foundation

The Oral Health Foundation is a charity that works to improve oral health by providing education, advice, and support to millions of people every year, changing lives for the better. Our mission is to support others in achieving a healthier life through better oral health. Our vision is to live in a world where everybody has a healthy mouth and is free of dental disease. Poor oral health can have a harmful and devastating effect on a person’s life – both for their physical health and mental wellbeing. We are determined to help more people achieve good oral health and have a better quality of life. Sadly, oral disease remains common, across the life course. We are taking the challenge to reduce the harm caused by poor oral health and the responsibility to create a healthier future for everybody. We do this because we believe that everybody deserves to have good oral health. To make sure this happens, by 2024, we will:

    • Work towards decreasing the prevalence of oral disease across communities.
    • Increase the number of people accessing our help and information services.
    • Diversify our range of resources to reach more communities.
    • Successfully campaign for policies which help people achieve healthier lives.
    • Generate new and nurture existing income streams that enable us to deliver our charitable objectives.

We are going to achieve success by:

    • Running awareness campaigns like National Smile Month and Mouth Cancer Action Month.
    • Giving anybody who needs it direct support through our Dental Helpline.
    • Influencing policy on subjects like dental access, sugar, and tobacco.
    • Providing consumer advice on oral health care products and working alongside manufacturers to make sure products do what they claim to do.
    • Creating resources and information that communicates positive oral health messages.
    • Working alongside others who share our passion for health and wellbeing.

To find out more about us, visit our website at https://www.dentalhealth.org/

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