Improve Your Dental Health for Better Health Overall
By Brandi Goodman
National Dental Hygiene Month is observed in October and for good reason. This tends to be the month when more people are turning to sweets that can cause damage to teeth. Dental hygiene can impact overall health more than people might realize. Taking care of your teeth and gums is a step toward taking care of your well-being.
Decreasing Your Risks
Poor dental health can lead to gum disease. People who have gum disease have an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The bacteria that affect your teeth and gums can get into the bloodstream and affect other areas of your body as well. By working to improve your dental health, you are decreasing your risks for other health concerns and helping yourself tremendously.
Early Detection
If you've normally experienced good oral health and suddenly find your gums bleeding often, pain in your mouth, or other oral problems, it could be an early warning sign of disease. Noticing dental problems can help with early detection of certain ailments and getting things checked out right away with a dentist or doctor could help. Diabetes, for example, can cause thrush, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Tips for Good Oral Health
Keeping a few tips in mind will help you to achieve good oral health. First, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day. The food you eat and the liquids you drink all leave residue on your teeth. Other poor habits, such as smoking, also harm your teeth and gums. Brushing away all of the gunk left behind will help to prevent plaque buildup.
It is also important to floss. Brushing does not get the bacteria stuck between your teeth. Flossing will. Be sure to floss every day and do it thoroughly. Drinking more water will also prove beneficial. It's essential for your overall health and can help to clear the mouth of debris between brushing. Sugary drinks should be avoided.
The foods you eat also play a part in your dental health. You want your teeth and jaw to get strong by chewing more and eating crunchy foods. Vegetables are best. Avoid processed foods that contain far too much sugar that will damage the teeth.
Use National Dental Hygiene Month as a reminder of the importance of good oral health. Just one infected tooth could be all it takes for bacteria to enter your bloodstream and harm your heart. Work toward improving your dental health now and help your overall health improve as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gilbert, Ariz.