We all know the effect of dental hygiene on your mouth. If you don’t brush your teeth, floss, and watch what you eat you’re going to have bad breath and rotten teeth. Most of us even know the effects on the gums and throat. But, the thing that many of us take for granted is the effect that poor dental hygiene has on the rest of your body. Many of the consequences of you taking care of your teeth can be felt in your heart, lungs, and overall wellness.
Having excess bacteria in your mouth will take its toll.
One of the greatest benefits of brushing, flossing, and being a regular at your dentist’s office is keeping oral bacteria at bay. If you don’t take the needed precautions, the effects on your heart and lungs may surprise you. Excess bacteria can contribute to heart disease. Bacteria from periodontal disease and inflammation can enter your bloodstream if left unchecked; these intruders into your blood flow travel to your heart and eventually may cause atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This causes plaque to build up on the walls of your arteries and decrease blood flow throughout the rest of your body. Heart attack or stroke can result in this. If there is any chance of this process beginning with you, see your dentist and physician immediately.
Your Brain and Lungs can be affected.
Gingivitis, when left to its own devices can spread its bacteria to your nervous system in the head via your bloodstream. The bacteria circulating through your brain can lead to early onset dementia—this is something that can be prevented, so do what ever you can to avoid this! The same bacteria that affect your heart and brain can take a toll on your respiratory system when it hitches a ride on a deep breath. These bacteria can cause infection in your lungs, causing pneumonia and difficulty breathing.
Avoid all of this.
The mouth is the doorway to the rest of your body, keeping it clean and free of an invasive bacterium is one key to a long, happy, and healthy life. Brush, floss, and see your dentist often. If you already are, make a point to check your family health history. If your family has a history of periodontal disease, talk to your dentist and see if there is anything further you could be doing to avoid any negative developments.