The benefits of good oral hygiene reduce the chance of tooth decay, reduce tooth sensitivity, reduce the likelihood of tooth decay and the resulting fillings. Preventive care is always cheaper than emergency care. Keeping your teeth (rather than needing dentures or crowns) is more likely to have fresher breath. Unfortunately, bacteria don't always stay in the mouth.
Instead, it can spread throughout the body in the bloodstream. When this happens, it can travel to the heart and cause the delicate arteries to narrow, which can put you at risk of having a heart attack. In fact, gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack by nearly 50%, according to the American College of Cardiology. Type 2 diabetes is a potentially dangerous blood sugar disorder that can cause disability and even premature death.
It develops when the blood sugar level stays too high, either because the body doesn't produce enough insulin or because the body can't use it properly. This hormone helps the body use blood sugar for energy. Studies show that people with gum disease are up to 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people with healthy gums. But why this connection? Gum disease causes inflammation, making it difficult for the body to use insulin properly.
This condition is known as insulin resistance. Normally, the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that could lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. The effects of poor oral hygiene range from tooth decay and decay to gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth loss.
Fortunately, proper oral hygiene, including proper and regular teeth cleaning, can prevent most of these problems. Your dentist or dental hygienist may also recommend a specific type of toothbrush, dental floss or mouthwash to help you get the most out of your daily dental care routine. Practicing good dental hygiene is very important, as it can prevent these types of oral diseases and dental problems. Legacy Community Health provides adult and pediatric dental services at its clinics in Montrose, Baker-Ripley, Lyons and San Jacinto.
