You already know the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing at least once, and visiting the dentist regularly.
But did you know that your oral health has been linked to other health issues in your body?
The traditional view of oral health is a quick brush, (2 minutes), to help keep the plaque away and make sure your teeth stay healthy. This is complimented with a visit to the dentist to check your teeth and, perhaps, to have some dental cleaning done; which will help your teeth and mouth to stay healthy.
The idea is that you can keep your own teeth into old age. However, there is another advantage to looking after your oral health; better overall health.
How It Works
Underneath your teeth is a massive network of nerves, some of which come into the root of your tooth, helping you to sense hot and cold when you eat.
These nerves and associated blood vessels actually provide a direct pathway between your mouth and the rest of your body, including your brain.
One of the biggest issues is actually gum disease. When an infection gets into your gums it has the ability to move directly into your blood stream and through your body. In fact, the bacteria from gum disease are no believed to have an effect on your mental health as it can be transmitted to your brain.
Research also suggests that a plaque buildup on your teeth is connected with plaque buildup in your arteries; increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The simple truth is that oral health issues can lead to a number of health issues.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take every day to help improve your oral health and reduce the risk of infection and other health related issues.
How Often Should You Brush
You need to brush your teeth first thing in the morning and again in the evening. Doing it more times than this is not likely to be beneficial.
The reason is that sugar in the food you eat will stick to your teeth, this feeds the bacteria in your mouth and creates acid in the process. It is this acid that can eat through the enamel on your teeth and cause problems.
But, the acid only starts to occur 12 hours after you’ve eaten. You can remove the food waste that triggers this process twice a day and virtually eliminate the issue.
When Should You Visit The Dentist
You should visit the dentist at least once a year, but you may have to do this more if your dentist notices a particular issue and wants to keep an eye on it.
It is also important to visit if you experience any pain, or if you notice something different in your mouth. Delaying is likely to make the issue worse and it’s not just your teeth that are at stake.
Your dental health really can affect the rest of your body.