Avoid major illness with Good Oral Hygiene

By: Dr. Boyer November 04, 2021

Did you know that there is a clear connection between oral health and general health? That’s right—your teeth have a lot to do with your overall well-being! If you have gum disease or cavities in your mouth, it is very likely that you are also suffering from other health conditions. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, so anything that enters through the mouth can affect you on a physical level. This blog post will cover some of the specific ways in which oral health affects general health.

Oral Health and Your Immune System

Your immune system is responsible for fighting off most infections and diseases. While it is typically pretty effective at its job, several conditions can decrease its effectiveness. The biggest one is periodontal disease. When bacteria in your mouth are allowed to remain, they will continually infect your gums. This infection can cripple your immune system’s strength and make it much easier for you to catch a cold or other illness.

Oral Health and Heart Disease

Heart health is incredibly important on its own, but it is crucial for your oral health as well. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, your gums may become inflamed and bleed easily, and this is not good for your heart. This inflammation and bleeding can cause a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of blood vessels surrounding the heart. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood and can even result in a fatal heart attack.

How to Prevent Major Illness with Good Oral Health

Whether you are looking at the connection between gum disease and heart disease or simply trying to keep your teeth clean, it can be hard to stay on top of all the information out there. Our Simi Valley dentist, Dr. Boyer, has some simple and helpful tips for maintaining a healthy mouth and body:

1. Keep your teeth healthy and strong with regular cleanings, professional treatments, and good attention to your diet. Remember that healthy food is fundamental for both oral and general health!

2. In addition to brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep harmful bacteria from wreaking havoc on your teeth and gums.

3. Make routine dental visits a habit. Just like cancer screenings, they can help you detect any worrisome issues early on. Prevention is the most powerful tool to keep yourself out of risk.

For more information about how oral health can affect your everyday life and how to maintain good oral hygiene, contact our Simi Valley dentist, Dr. Boyer, at (805) 581-0144.

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