Your mouth is home to a lot of bacteria, both good and bad. The good bacteria help to keep your mouth healthy by breaking down food and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. However, if you don’t practice good oral hygiene, the harmful bacteria can multiply and cause problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
In addition to these local problems, neglecting your oral health can also have a negative impact on your overall health. For example, studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pneumonia.
Here are some of the specific medical implications of neglecting oral health:
- Heart disease: Gum disease is a major risk factor for heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, where they can form plaque and lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Stroke: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. People with gum disease are twice as likely to have a stroke as people with healthy gums.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be serious, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions. People with gum disease are more likely to develop pneumonia.
- Preterm birth and low birth weight: Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have preterm births and babies with low birth weight.
If you’re not sure if you have good oral health, talk to your dentist. They can give you a comprehensive exam and let you know if you need to make any changes to your oral hygiene routine. By taking good care of your teeth and gums, you can help to keep your overall health in good shape.
Here are some tips for good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Floss once a day.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.