Why Oral Health Matters
3 min read
Did you know dentists can tell a lot about your general health solely based upon your dental hygiene? That’s because the mouth is full of bacteria that give us clues about what’s going on in other places. From your gut to your gums, our bodies are a zoo of microorganisms—most of which are harmless. A Baton Rouge dentist can help you with your oral hygiene.
Coupled with good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing daily, our body’s natural defenses keep the bacteria that could cause us to harm at bay. However, without proper oral hygiene, bad bacteria can begin to overtake the harmless bacteria in droves. Our Baton Rouge dentists agree, when the levels of bad bacteria reach a certain threshold you start to run into a variety of medical problems around the body. Some of which are problems you might not have ever expected.
A recent study found a link between cardiovascular disease and poor dental hygiene. This study was based on daily teeth-brushing behavior. Researchers found that individuals who brush less than two times a day, or for less than two minutes a day, show early signs of heart disease. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with fluoride toothpaste.
Did you know certain bacteria that builds up in your mouth can have adverse effects on your respiratory health? This buildup can allow bad bacteria to spread your lungs, increasing your risk of respiratory diseases. The most common respiratory diseases associated with poor oral health is aspiration pneumonia. Our Baton Rouge dentists agree these problems can easily be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is common but highly preventable. Poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to build up under the gums. If present, this buildup causes plaque, inflammation, oral swelling, and can even lead to tooth loss. And that’s just the oral issues. It’s a risk factor for heart and lung diseases as well. Keep your teeth clean and stay healthy!
Coupled with good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing daily, our body’s natural defenses keep the bacteria that could cause us to harm at bay. However, without proper oral hygiene, bad bacteria can begin to overtake the harmless bacteria in droves. Our Baton Rouge dentists agree, when the levels of bad bacteria reach a certain threshold you start to run into a variety of medical problems around the body. Some of which are problems you might not have ever expected.
Orally-Linked Medical Conditions
As shocking as it may be, there are a variety of medical conditions that can be caused by oral bacteria. But when you think about it, your mouth is a gateway to almost every other part of your body. So it makes sense that keeping a good oral hygiene regimen helps the rest of your body stay healthy and happy! Visiting a Baton Rouge dentist can help. Let’s dive into what types of diseases poor oral hygiene can cause.A recent study found a link between cardiovascular disease and poor dental hygiene. This study was based on daily teeth-brushing behavior. Researchers found that individuals who brush less than two times a day, or for less than two minutes a day, show early signs of heart disease. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, with fluoride toothpaste.
Did you know certain bacteria that builds up in your mouth can have adverse effects on your respiratory health? This buildup can allow bad bacteria to spread your lungs, increasing your risk of respiratory diseases. The most common respiratory diseases associated with poor oral health is aspiration pneumonia. Our Baton Rouge dentists agree these problems can easily be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is common but highly preventable. Poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to build up under the gums. If present, this buildup causes plaque, inflammation, oral swelling, and can even lead to tooth loss. And that’s just the oral issues. It’s a risk factor for heart and lung diseases as well. Keep your teeth clean and stay healthy!