| Poor Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Body in Different Ways |
When you fail to observe good oral hygiene, your body may suffer from various health conditions or even worsen existing ones. Certain health conditions are also likely to cause gum disease. Gum disease may be a complication of diabetes. High blood sugar that characterizes diabetes is able to affect blood vessels in a way that prevents sufficient flow of blood. Having poor blood flow weakens the gums, making them susceptible to infection. High blood sugar can encourage bacteria growth in the mouth. Consequently, severe gum disease arising from chronic poor oral hygiene is able to increase blood sugar levels, hence causing other diabetes-related issues within the body.
Moreover, there is a link between prolonged bacterial infection of your gums or periodontal disease and increased risk of stroke or heart disease. Inflammation linked to gum disease is likely to pose a danger of having clogged arteries connected with heart disease. Additionally, gum disease is able to worsen existing heart disease.
There are different theories to this link. Some researchers say that periodontal disease or periodontitis increases inflammation that can cause a risk of suffering heart disease. On the other hand, some researchers believe that bacteria inside the mouth can get into the bloodstream and lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to gum disease that results in lung infections or worsen them. Bacteria in the mouth may travel to the lungs, causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as severe pneumonia.
Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene to prevent these complications and others. Talk to us to learn more about oral hygiene and its relation to the overall health of your body.
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| I Have Dental Sealants; Can I Still Floss My Teeth?
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Dental sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent cavities. Flossing helps reach the interdental spaces to remove plaque and debris. Interdental spaces are the areas between your teeth. Debris and plaque or even bacteria can lodge and hide in these spaces. If not checked, the bacterial plaque can cause decay and contribute to gum disease.
To answer the question as to whether you should floss when you have sealants, it is crucial to understand how flossing and sealants work. Sealants form part of preventive dentistry and offer a protective barrier between the teeth and bacterial acids that could damage your teeth. However, sealants only protect the chewing surfaces and do not protect interdental spaces. Therefore, even if you have these preventive dental applications, you should not skip flossing. Flossing works on those areas that are not protected by the sealants. It helps discourage the formation of tooth decay on the sides of your teeth.
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| Can Dental Issues Be Hereditary? |
Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, it is possible to change your oral health habits. Maintaining proper oral care can make your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy. Brush twice a day and floss at least once per day. How you brush is also important in ensuring good health of the teeth and gums. Ensure you use circular motions of the toothbrush on the front as well as back teeth. Do not ignore the tongue because it can host harmful bacteria. When your dental products wear out or are old, swap them out for next ones. For example, obtain a new toothbrush every three months. Last but not least, eat healthy foods and keep starchy foods and sugars to a minimum. If you want to find out how genes and dental issues are related, talk to us.
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