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May 24, 2021

The importance of good dental care for overall health

Maintaining a healthy mouth can affect more than just your teeth. Good oral health can be an indication of overall health with poor oral hygiene often a cause of other, more serious problems elsewhere in the body.

It can reduce your chances of heart disease

Various conditions that affect the normal healthy functioning of the heart can be prevented by regular trips to your dentist or dental care professional. For example, endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal infection that occurs when bacteria travels through the bloodstream from other parts of your body, such as the mouth, and enters the inner lining of the heart. This can trigger a variety of potentially life-threatening complications such as inflammation and even heart failure.

It can prevent infection

The mouth is the most common point of contact for the ingestion of infection and disease. It is therefore crucial that steps are taken on a daily basis to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria originating in the mouth and potentially spreading to other parts of the body. A dental practice in Cardiff or the wider UK can focus on preventative oral care by recommending you arrange regular dental check-ups at least once every six months although this can vary depending on the level of dental care you require. An infection in the mouth can also trigger the onset of sepsis, the body’s natural albeit extreme response to infection that can result in fatality or life-changing consequences such as hallucinations, impaired cognitive function and even amputation.

It can prevent diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have less control over their blood glucose levels and are therefore more susceptible to infection. By prioritising your oral health, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing gum disease or tooth decay. People living with Type 2 diabetes are also around three times more likely to suffer from dental problems than people who do not suffer from the disorder. A dental practice Cardiff based or elsewhere in the UK may be able to offer advice on how to improve your overall oral hygiene and reduce your chances of requiring additional, often costly, dental procedures in the future as a result of poor dental hygiene or conditions triggered by diabetes.

It can protect against the onset of Alzheimer’s

Recent studies have recently uncovered how the same bacteria that can cause gum disease and gingivitis in the mouth may also cause Alzheimer’s disease. This bacterium originates in the mouth before travelling to the brain and damaging nerve cells which ultimately lead to memory loss and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Further tests are required to confirm whether or not treating gum disease at the source can prevent the spread of bacteria and therefore shrink the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing and flossing is recommended and key to maintaining good overall health.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly can significantly reduce your chances of developing further health problems.

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