Good oral hygiene is a must for overall well-being. The welfare of our mouth, teeth and gums can greatly influence the physical, mental, social well-being. Lack of oral hygiene could lead to different conditions like tooth decay and gum diseases or even more serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes or even types of cancer.
The team at Alma Dental will examine below why oral health is important and how it can be beneficial in numerous ways. We will discuss, in-depth, six main reasons why one should consider maintaining good oral health, with each reason having its own explanation that will enable you to fathom its tremendous impact on your life.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene
1. Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease or “periodontal” is a pervasive oral condition that can lead to severe effects if not treated. It is caused by accumulation of a tacky bacteria-laden film called plaque on teeth. If left uncleaned, this plaque may harden to form tartar which in turn, irritates and inflames the gums.
In early stages, symptoms include reddish, swollen gums that bleed on touch. However, if left alone, it may continue to advanced stages where gum tissue is destroyed as well as underlying bones holding the teeth in place. Owing to such an ultimate loss of the tooth, one’s standard of living will be significantly affected.
People can greatly decrease their chances of having gum disease through good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and going for normal dental check-ups/cleanings. This will ensure their health and appearance are maintained for their teeth and gums, as well as other more dangerous conditions prevalent with untreated periodontal diseases. Looking after your teeth is much easier and less painful than getting a root canal!
2. Maintaining Heart Health
Recent studies have connected oral health to heart conditions. Gum disease, in particular, is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
It has been suggested that the connection between oral health and heart disease may be related to inflammation that occurs in response to infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body. The bacteria and the toxins they produce can reach the bloodstream through the mouth and migrate to the heart, where they can cause atherosclerosis, which results in the development of plaque build-up within arteries.
These plaques narrow down blood vessels and hinder circulation of blood increasing chances of getting an attack. Moreover, this inflammatory reaction can also help in increasing chances of developing other cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure or complications involving any of our hearts valves caused by these bacteria plus their toxins.
3. Diabetes Management
Diabetes and oral health are related, and both conditions can affect each other’s progress. Infections such as gum diseases, dry mouth, fungal infections for example thrush are more likely to occur in diabetics since the immune system is weakened by diabetes and higher glucose levels in saliva.
On the other hand, poor oral hygiene or having gum disease could also worsen control of diabetes. With Gum infection and inflammation that would happen with gum disease could hinder the body from controlling blood sugar levels well leading to added complications as well as a greater risk of other health problems.
By keeping their mouths clean by brushing their teeth often, flossing them regularly and going for dental cleanings occasionally diabetics can reduce their chances of getting these oral health issues as well regulate their condition better overall. This leads to improved blood sugar management, minimizes diabetic symptoms associated with it, and enhances quality of life.
4. Respiratory Health
The connection between oral health and respiratory health might not be apparent at first glance, but it is an important one to remember. Bad mouth hygiene may lead to the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the mouth that are later inhaled into the lungs, thus causing respiratory diseases like pneumonia.
Bacteria and other such microorganisms which exist in the oral cavity can be aspirated – sucked into the lungs with breathing, coughing, or even during sleep. These organisms cause inflammation and infection in the lungs, thereby leading to respiratory problems such as pneumonia, COPD, or even lung cancer.
By maintaining good dental hygiene, through regular brushing, flossing and cleanings from a dental hygienist, can help reduce number of harmful micro-organisms present in the mouth reducing chances of their aspiration into the lungs. This can then aid in staving off infections of the respiratory system as well as any other problems that could affect it, hence giving better general health and feeling of wellness.
5. Cognitive Function
It has been that found recent studies suggest that oral health may have some association with cognitive function. The exact mechanisms are not yet known, but there is evidence supporting a relationship between poor oral hygiene and gum disease leading to increased chances of cognitive decline as well as development of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Another possible mechanism behind this correlation is the role of inflammation. In brief, bad dental care can lead to chronic mouth inflammation, which could then become systemic and affect the brain. Research has linked constant inflammation with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment.
Moreover, bacteria and their waste products in the mouth can also enter the systemic circulation and reach the brain, potentially leading to the development of cognitive impairments. This should worry us more because it affects the brain easily, being a highly vulnerable organ; thus, its exposure to toxins or any inflammatory process poses potential harm to it at all times
6. Pregnancy and Oral Health
The maintenance of appropriate dental hygiene is particularly crucial for pregnant women as poor oral health poses significant implications for both the mother as well as the baby she carries.
Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can increase the chances of gum disease due to increased response by the inflammatory body system. This may lead to some signs, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, which can be discomforting and even pose hazards to the growth of a baby.
Further, poor oral health during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Bacteria in our mouths produce toxins that, when released into the bloodstream, can travel to the placenta, possibly interfering with normal foetal development.
To minimize the risk of gum disease or other oral problems, one should employ good mouth care through flossing regularly, brushing teeth on a daily basis and regular visits to dentists while pregnant. In return, this promotes healthier gestational periods hence better outcomes for mothers and their babies in terms of their well-being.
Conclusion
It is vital to maintain good oral hygiene in order to stay fit and healthy. Oral health is just as important as gut health! The six major reasons identified in this essay are preventing gum diseases, maintaining heart health, managing diabetes, promoting respiratory health, preserving cognitive function and supporting a healthy pregnancy that show how much oral hygiene impacts an individual’s physical, psychological and social well-being.
Those who prioritize dental health by brushing their teeth frequently, flossing them regularly, and going for professional cleaning have a reduced risk of getting numerous diseases, thus improving the quality of their lives. Furthermore, regular dental checks by professionals, as well as quick treatment of all tooth-related issues, help detect problems early enough, therefore preventing them from becoming worse.
References
- https://locustfamilydentistry.com/5-reasons-why-oral-hygiene-is-important/
- https://www.americandentalctr.com/the-importance-of-oral-hygiene-for-good-health
- https://www.goodmandentalcenter.com/blog/8-unexpected-health-benefits-of-good-oral-hygiene
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
- https://advanceddentalpartners.com/health-benefits-of-good-oral-hygiene-and-dental-care/