
We all know it is important to brush your teeth on a daily basis. Not only does it prevent bad breath and teeth staining, but it also keeps our smile healthy. No one wants to lose teeth from practicing poor dental habits, but there is more to keeping your mouth clean and healthy – your general health.
Believe it or not, but gum disease as well as poor oral hygiene may be more detrimental to your health than you think. It turns out oral issues can be linked to other life-threatening diseases. Here are just some of the reasons brushing your teeth is so important:
Hurting your heart. Individuals with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease because harmful bacteria from your mouth enter your blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels. This leads to inflammation, making you more prone to clots that may trigger heart attacks.
Memory loss. Researchers have found that there may be a close link to an increased risk of dementia. Oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw and may contribute to a type of plaque that has been linked to Alzheimer’s.
Diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are more like to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. Conversely, gum disease makes it harder to control you blood sugar, resulting in a high chance for diabetic issues.
Breathing issues. Individuals with poor hygiene are hurting their respiratory systems. Gum disease may increase your risk of respiratory infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Fertility. Women with gum disease take an average two months longer to conceive a child that those who don’t have gum disease.
If you’re interested in learning more about gum disease effects on your health, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.
Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.