Oral Hygiene : A Key to Better Hygiene - 1

When it comes to health, mothers truly do know best! They constantly remind us to clean our teeth so that we will have :

• Teeth that are clean and free of food particles
• Gums that are pink and do not hurt or bleed while brushing and flossing
• A mouth that is free from bad breath

And now, science proves mums are right! Doctors suspect that poor oral health may be linked to several medical problems :

• Bad Breath

Not to be mistaken for a passing phase, bad breath is the first indication of poor oral health and gum disease. Worse, it is a major social problem when speaking with people.

• Gingivitis

Early-stage gum disease is a common problem. If left untreated, gingivitis eventually progresses to periodontitis.

• Periodontitis

The condition leads to diseased gums and bones, both of which provide tooth support. This eventually leads to tooth loss. Doctors further suspect a link between periodontitis and heart disease.

• Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be caused by several factors, including stress and medication. Besides discomfort, a dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease because saliva protects against the accumulation of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

• Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight

Pregnant women are more likely to develop gum disease, and poor oral health appears to affect the unborn baby. Doctors believe that these babies are at risk of being born prematurely and with low birth weight.

• Heart Disease

The bacteria in gum disease can easily enter the blood stream. These bacteria may have a role in causing atherosclerosis, a problem of thickened and hardened arteries. Atherosclerosis leads to the formation of clots in the blood and raises the risk of a heart attack.

• Stroke

The same problem occurring in the arteries to the brain may reduce, or completely cut off, blood supply. When the brain does not receive enough blood supply, stroke occurs.


Factors that raise your risk of oral problem

• Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risk of gum infection, besides slowing the healing process. Once gum disease is in the advanced stages, blood sugar levels can be affected despite treatment.

• Smoking

Besides bad breath and unsightly teeth, tobacco smoking is a leading cause of gum disease and oral cancer. The easiest way to prevent these diseases is simple - just quit!!!