Protect Your Smile with Proper Oral Hygiene
In term of oral hygiene, healthy teeth and gums speak volumes about your general health and well-being. Oral conditions, such as periodontal (gum) disease lead to other serious ailments that affect the rest of the body. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, strokes, osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. When you consider that patients with cavities, infections and gum disease have lots of bacteria, it’s no surprise.
Understanding the Mouth-Body Connection
The mouth provides a direct portal into the body’s stomach, heart and lungs. So, if you are walking around with an acute and chronic oral bacterial infection of the gums (periodontitis) your general health may be at risk of developing some nasty ailments, starting with your teeth falling out! But the relationship goes both ways. For example, adults with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing cavities, oral infections and gum disease.
What studies say about the Mouth-Body Connection
Now, you may initially believe the connection between mouth and body is fragile, but one British study revealed that adults with poor oral hygiene are 70% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. Now, you may be thinking: “I brush, I floss sometimes, I should be fine!” Well, according to statistics, you’re may not be off the hook. The U.S. Surgeon General reported a staggering 85% of all American adults have some form of gum disease! In 99% of all cases, this is due to poor oral hygiene. However, it’s not too late to turn the tables on the bacteria colonizing your teeth and gums! In this two-part article series, we will address some of your top concerns surrounding oral health care. Let’s talk about saving those pearly whites!
FAQ # 1: What should I do every day to take care of my teeth?
Answer: Your oral hygiene routine at home should include brushing twice a day. Spend at least two minutes brushing that smile and make sure to flossing before bed. This is really the minimum you should be doing every single day to look after your teeth and gums. You could also incorporate an anti-bacterial mouthwash into your routine. Limiting the amount of sugary/acidic foods and drinks always helps.
FAQ # 2: Are electric toothbrushes better?
Answer: Studies are mixed, but the general opinion is that electric toothbrushes are better, indeed. At 40,000 strokes per minute, electric toothbrushes are more thorough and they also can prevent people from brushing too hard. Brushing too hard can lead to erosion of your enamel. If your toothbrush comes with a built-in timer, you’re golden. Brushing for those full two minutes will be a breeze. The only possible downside is that electric toothbrushes can be expensive, but with all the options available it will be easy finding the right brush for your budget.
FAQ # 3: What is the best kind of floss?
Answer: Shopping for floss can prove to be quite daunting when there are such an incredible variety of products to choose from. At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is…floss every night before bed! The particular kind of floss makes no difference; it is merely a matter of personal preference. They all do the same thing. So if you prefer your floss waxed and tasting of peppermint, then so be it!
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