6 Ways Oral Hygiene Helps Keep You Well

People often mistake a good oral hygiene to being only limited to providing a healthy mouth. So having a clean mouth is likewise the same as living on a healthy diet. The phrase "healthy mouth, healthy you" really is true -- and backed by growing scientific evidence. Oral health is not only important to your appearance and sense of well-being, but also to your overall health. Sometimes the first sign of a disease shows up in your mouth. In other cases, infections in your mouth, such as gum disease, can cause problems in other areas of your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, bad oral hygiene can increase your risk of health problems as serious as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Gum diseases have been linked to life-threatening medical illnesses, like cancer and diabetes. Recent studies have confirmed the link of periodontitis to cardiovascular diseases such as heart diseases and strokes, not to mention other systematic diseases like diabetes, cancer and hepatitis. There is also a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.
Poor oral health can affect appearance and self-esteem, and has been linked to sleeping problems, as well as behavioral and developmental problems in children.

Regular brushing is probably one of the most important steps you can take towards a healthy mouth because it protects your teeth and gums from everyday food residue, bacteria and stains. We all know that brushing and flossing is not the only key to preventing dental disease (tooth decay and gum disease) "" you probably also know that a healthy smile and fresh breath can actually reduce risk of a heart attack and stroke. Research shows that 23% of the group who suffered from mild to moderate memory loss also had relatively poor oral hygiene habits.

One should consider having the following steps in daily routine:

1. Regular visits to the dentist for dental checkups and cleanings.
2. Proper eating habits and good diet.
3. Proper and regular tooth brushing and flossing techniques. Brush and floss teeth daily.
4. The use of fluoride water or other fluoride treatments like mouthwash or toothpaste. Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse as well can help to reduce the bacteria in mouth.
5. Do not smoke. If you do smoke, make sure to visit your dental professional regularly.
6. If pregnant, be sure to eat healthy foods and maintain good oral health.