There is a strong connection between oral health and your overall health and wellness which you may not be aware. The fact is that the health of your mouth can indicate a variety of concerns to your medical and dental teams. By understanding this connection, you will see how vital it is that you take proper care of your teeth and gums.
Excessive Bacteria Not Good
Everyone naturally has bacteria in their mouth. A good oral health care routine will keep these bacteria at lower levels. Those who do not have a regular routine are at a greater risk for both tooth decay and gum disease. Once these bacteria have reached high levels, it becomes increasingly difficult to get them back under control. Even with intervention, severe cases can continue to suffer from the damage long after the person has begun to engage in an oral hygiene routine.
Medications Can Cause Dry Mouth
There are many types of medications that may be influencing your oral health. Both prescription medications and those sold over the counter may be causing your mouth to become dry. Decongestants and painkillers are among the culprits. When you experience a reduction in the flow of saliva, you are at greater risk for gum disease and tooth decay. This is because saliva helps to neutralize mouth acids. An acidic mouth is friendlier for bacterial growths.
Periodontis Bad For Oral Health
Those who suffer from oral bacteria will go on to form periodontis, which is a very severe disease of the gums. There have been studies which indicate that these bacteria can contribute to other diseases of the body. This is because the bacterial infection weakens the overall immune system.
Poor Oral Health Can Complicate Diabetes and HIV
For those who have diseases such as diabetes or HIV, the dental care and overall health connection becomes incredibly important. Infections in any part of the body can lead to severe consequences when left untreated. Oral health troubles are more severe and difficult to treat when the patient is already experiencing a weakened immune system.
Build A Habit Of Brushing, Flossing Teeth Twice Daily
Each morning after your breakfast, and at night before you go to bed, it is important that you brush your teeth well with a soft bristled brush. Those with hard bristles can actually cause microscopic damage to your gums, worsening your health instead of improving it. At night, you should also floss between all of your teeth to remove any additional debris. If you decide to use a mouthwash, avoid those that contain alcohol. These can actually cause your mouth to become more dry, worsening your bacterial growth.
See Your Dentist Twice A Year
You should also visit a dental care professional twice each year for a professional cleaning and examination. If you are able to detect any problems early on, it will be far easier to address them.
Taking care of your teeth is vital if you want to maintain a high level of overall health. Your gums and teeth are a good indicator of how you are doing. So, learn to take care of them well, and it will be easier for you to follow with the rest of your body.
Great Oral Health Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive!
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AmeriPlan discount health and dental plans are designed to save you money while providing the health and dental care you and your family needs. Get started now and you’ll be amazed at the level of medical and dental services and the low cost.
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