Good oral hygiene protects you from bad breath, but it also protects you from other health conditions including heart attack and stroke.
While that may sound extreme, bad oral hygiene is the number one cause of gum disease and eventual tooth loss in adults. Tooth loss is bad enough, but gum disease can enter your bloodstream and cause a heart attack.
Oral Hygiene Helps Overall Health
According to Dr. J. Craig Alexander, there is a strong connection between oral and overall health with the main concern being inflammation. People with gum disease have inflammation from plaque and bacteria.
Once the plaque and bacteria get into your bloodstream via pockets between your teeth and gums and saliva it starts to attach itself to the walls of your arteries. As a result, people with gum disease have a higher risk of congestive heart failure and stroke.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The best way to avoid overall health problems from gum disease is to brush twice and floss once each day. However, those are just a couple of things you must do if you want to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
According to your East Greenbush dentist, eating a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is an excellent start. Also, include calcium for healthy and strong teeth. Cheese and unsweetened yogurt are excellent snacks and healthy for teeth. Munch on celery and carrots instead of starchy snacks and you will be well on your way to a healthier smile.
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of good oral hygiene habits. When you get into the habit of seeing Dr. Alexander at least twice a year, more so, if you are suffering from a disease such as diabetes, you’ll enjoy healthier teeth and gums.
Examine Your Teeth and Gums
Get into the habit of checking out your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and oral cavity. Look for anything that seems suspicious. Look under your tongue and if you notice white patches or cold sores that will not heal it’s time to schedule an appointment with your East Greenbush dentist.
It really is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to oral health and oral hygiene. It’s a fact that dentists usually discover oral cancers. It’s also a fact that early detection leads to a higher survival rate.
For more information regarding oral hygiene, schedule an appointment online, call or text. Having a clean bill of health for teeth and gums is the best way to start the New Year.
Call for a dental appointment in East Greenbush today.