We’ve all heard that neglecting proper oral hygiene could result in bad breath, pesky stains, and a build-up of tartar and plaque. However, did you know that proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your overall health, and ensuring other organs in your body are healthy and strong? Implementing proper oral hygiene into your every-day routine will ensure you are also taking care of your brain, heart, and other vital organs in your body. Similarly, certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, have the potential to weaken the immune system. Once your immune system becomes compromised, your body has a more difficult time fighting off oral infections.
Ongoing research has shown a possible link exists between memory loss and oral health as well. Our mouths contain billions (yes, billions!) of good and bad bacteria, which have the potential to reach your brain. According to the National Health Service, people with gum disease are 70% more likely to get dementia, through the migration of this harmful bacteria. Similarly to the brain, harmful bacteria can also spread to heart valves throughout the bloodstream. Once this bacteria comes into contact with your heart, there becomes a heightened risk of the bacteria becoming attached and causing inflammation.
Our mouths are one of the key entryways to our organs, providing a transport of bacteria throughout the entire body. Although the majority of bacteria in our mouths is harmless, some have the potential to cause disease. Here at Baxter Springs Family Dentistry, we want our patients to fully understand the importance of proper oral hygiene so that you can enjoy your next Dental visit in our office!