Brushing your teeth daily does more than prevent cavities. Studies show that good dental health can boost your overall health while preventing serious health issues.  Below, Dr. Janet Euzarraga weighs in to share some of the risks (and rewards!) associated with how well you practice oral care!

Brush to prevent infections:

Left unaddressed, build up of bacteria on teeth can cause infections that not only harm the gums but can also lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss.  The most severe cases of gum disease involving abscessed teeth further put you at risk for infection that can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and heart. Regular well checks can prevent unnecessary build up of bacteria and keep your overall health on track.

Respiratory issues linked to poor oral health:

There’s a link between how well you brush and how you breathe! Poor oral health – especially harmful bacteria in the mouth — can potentially travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, aggravating the respiratory system and leading to sinus infections and other conditions. There’s no need for bacteria to get out of control and impact your healthy breathing. To prevent harmful bacteria from taking over your mouth, simply practice regular brushing, flossing and good oral hygiene.

Prevent halitosis with good dental health habits:

Don’t let bad breath come between you and your social life! Halitosis happens when food particles are stuck between teeth and collect “smelly” bacteria. Proper brushing and flossing can prevent halitosis from happening. So, to keep your friends close, use good habits to keep the bacteria away!

Poor oral health can result in serious disease:

Beyond gum disease, poor dental health has been linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Studies show that those diagnosed with periodontal diseases are two times more likely to develop heart disease. That’s because harmful tooth bacteria entering the bloodstream can lead to clogging of arteries and the risk of heart attack and stroke.  Gum disease also makes it more difficult for those living with diabetes to control their blood sugar, contributing to increased complications.  Poor oral health has even been linked to memory loss and increase in dementia. Lessen the risks of these harmful diseases by practicing proper oral care.

A beautiful smile is a great attribute but Dr. E wants to remind everyone that taking care of our oral health is critical to our overall health! Voted in the Top 5 of the Best Ahwatukee Dentists, you can be confident she will keep your oral health on track. Contact her today for your regular well check. www.drefamilydental.com/contacts