It’s no secret that taking care of your teeth has numerous benefits. Not only does it help keep your smile looking its best, but it also helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Furthermore, taking care of your teeth can also help to improve your overall health. Many people don’t realize that their oral health is directly linked to their overall health, but it’s true! Here are just a few of how taking care of your teeth can improve your health:
1. Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth, which can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the arteries. This inflammation can lead to a buildup of plaque, which can eventually narrow or block the arteries, leading to heart disease. Dentists believe that the bacteria from gum disease is one of the major contributors to heart attacks and strokes.
Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. In case you see signs of dental problems, consult a dental expert, an invisalign dentist, for example, and fix them at the earliest.
2. Reduced Joint Inflammation
Inflammation is a major contributing factor to many different types of diseases, including arthritis. The bacteria from gum disease may enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the joints, which can lead to arthritis. Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to reduce your risk of developing arthritis. Also, if you already have arthritis, taking care of your teeth can help to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with the disease.
3. Healthier Pregnancy
Gum disease has been linked to several complications during pregnancy, such as pre-term labor, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, pregnant women need to take extra care of their teeth and gums to help prevent gum disease. Many dentists recommend that pregnant women schedule additional dental appointments to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy.
4. Improved Fertility
Gum disease has been linked to infertility in both men and women. The bacteria from gum disease is likely to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the reproductive organs, which can lead to infertility. Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to improve your fertility.
Many fertility specialists recommend that couples who are trying to conceive schedule additional dental appointments to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy. Also, if you are considering IVF, taking care of your teeth and gums can help to improve the success rate of the procedure.
5. Protection for Your Brain Cells
The bacteria from gum disease may also enter your body and trigger inflammation in the brain. This inflammation can lead to several problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and stroke. Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to protect your brain cells from damage. Many experts believe that the bacteria from gum disease is one of the major contributors to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
6. Lower Risk of Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and blood cancer. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can cause inflammation in different parts of the body, which can lead to cancer. Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
7. Lower Risk for Kidney Disease
Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of kidney disease. The same bacteria may cause inflammation in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney disease. Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.
8. Healthier Skin
The bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the skin. This inflammation can lead to several problems, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Therefore, by taking care of your teeth and keeping your gums healthy, you can help to improve your skin health. Many experts believe that the bacteria from gum disease is one of the major contributors to acne.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is not only important for your oral health, but it is also important for your overall health. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can help to reduce your risk of developing several serious health conditions, including arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.If you’re searching for a reliable dentist right now, reach out to orthodontics in orange city and they’ll help you achieve that perfect smile.