Lack of proper dental hygiene ruins your smile, but that’s only one of the many reasons that it’s imperative to take your dental health seriously. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, regular dental visits, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks are all simple ways to keep a check on your oral health and well-being.
Why Dental Health is so Important
Why is it so important that you take your dental health seriously? The following five reasons explain why it is so important to maintain good oral health:
Heart Attack/Stroke/Cardiovascular Health
Numerous studies link increased the risk of heart disease amongst those with oral health issues such as Periodontal Disease. According to these various studies, particularly a Canadian Academy of Periodontology study, those with PD are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or sustain heart disease, and three times more likely to have a stroke than people without periodontal disease. Why the increased risk? Bacteria exposed in the mouth can increase inflammation in areas throughout the body. Inflammation is one of the major heart disease risk factors. Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart, occurs when bacteria spread through the bloodstream and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart. Risk of developing this condition increases considerably amongst those with Periodontal disease and oral health problems.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
It’s a two-fold problem. Individuals with diabetes are also at an increased risk for gum disease. New studies now suggest that gum disease may also contribute to diabetes. Due to bacteria in the mouth, the carbohydrate metabolism is affected, increasing insulin resistance and blood glucose levels.
