Dr. Daniel Elbert of Thousand Oaks Smile Design gives the following healthy reminder why good oral hygiene is critical.
Recent research indicates that oral infections, predominantly gum infections, may be connected to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, preterm births and increased thickness of blood vessels in the neck.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, at least 90 percent of systemic diseases generate oral symptoms. This means that a dentist will often be the first person to spot signs of disease.
More than 500 different kinds of bacteria flourish in the human mouth. These bacteria continually produce dental plaque, which is the sticky colorless deposit sticking to the teeth.
Plaque not removed by brushing and flossing builds up along the gum line, leading to gum infections. Long-term untreated gum infections can ultimately lead to loss of teeth.
Many think of cavity prevention as the only reason for going to the dentist. However, scheduling regular dental checkups is an integral part of keeping healthy.
Obviously, good oral hygiene is not enough to prevent diseases, but it is important to take care of teeth and gums by brushing teeth morning and night, flossing daily, replacing a toothbrush as soon as the bristles become bent, and scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months.
The steps above should be part of a health regimen. The good news is that an oral health regimen will automatically benefit daily personal hygiene by ensuring healthy gums and teeth as well as pleasant breath.
Source: toacorn.com
