Your Mom said it over and over again, your dentist tells you every chance they get, but have you really listened to either of them? Are you focused on oral hygiene? Have you focused on this with your kids? We get only one set of adult teeth, we better take really good care of them. Beyond the fact that much of our self-esteem depends on looking and feeling our best, (teeth are a pretty critical part of our appearance) many studies now tell us that it is not just about appearance but our health and longevity. If you have told yourself many times that you would start flossing or going to the dentist regularly, but still have not done it. Please, do it now for you and your family’s future well-being. In 20 years you cannot rewind the clock and fix the damage that has been done… Here is a great article from the WebMD Medical Reference that will hopefully motivate you to pick up the brush, floss, and the phone to call your dentist.
Taking good care of your mouth -- teeth and gums -- does more than help ensure you have a bright, white smile.
A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand in hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years. The phrase "healthy mouth, healthy you" really is true -- and backed by growing scientific evidence.
It's never too early to start teaching your children to take care of teeth and gums -- healthy habits learned in childhood can pay off in adulthood. And, if you're tempted to shrug off your good oral hygiene habits -- brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly -- remember that you're a role model for your kids. Keep in mind these six ways having healthy teeth and gums helps boost overall health.
Boosts Your Self-esteem and Confidence
Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated not only with an unsightly mouth but very bad breath -- so bad it can affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem. With a healthy mouth that's free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better -- you can eat properly, sleep better, and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.
May Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes.
Experts stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has shown up in numerous studies. The findings of these studies may suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect overall health.
Preserves Your Memory
Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.
Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction -- both skills used in everyday life.
Reduces Risks of Infection and Inflammation in Your Body
Poor oral health has been linked with the development of infection in other parts of the body.
Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar. Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.
Resource: “The Mind-Body Connection: 6 Ways Oral Hygiene Helps You Keep Well” – WebMD Medical Reference
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