The Importance of Good Dental Hygiene To Your Health
At Community Dental Group, we love to see you smile. Practicing good dental hygiene will ensure that your smile, the one we love so much, will remain beautiful for years and years to come. But good dental hygiene goes beyond just beauty. Dental hygiene is essential to your health. In fact, establishing healthy dental hygiene habits can help you to avoid a variety of health problems. These include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Heart disease
- Respiratory problems
The first two are obvious enough. Clearly tooth decay and gum disease can result from poor or inadequate dental hygiene. But heart disease and respiratory problems? What on earth do these things have to do with anyone’s mouth?
Heart Disease
People who suffer from gum disease are twice as likely to develop heart problems. This is because artery-clogging plaque and bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums. The bacteria that thrive in diseased gums contain a protein that promotes the clots responsible for clogging arteries. If these bacteria find their way to the carotid artery, which delivers blood to the brain, this can increase stroke risk.
Respiratory Problems
People with gum disease are also at a greater risk for respiratory disease. There is a link between gum disease and acute bronchitis and pneumonia. Just as potentially damaging bacteria can find a way from a diseased mouth and into a person’s arteries, so too can they travel into a person’s lungs. The potential for serious respiratory issues related to gum disease is even greater for those who already suffer from respiratory problems.
Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid serious health problems related to poor dental hygiene! By sticking to a simple daily tooth care routine you can avoid tooth decay and gum disease, as well as more serious health issues that can stem from these conditions.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily
- Floss at least once each day
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
It really is that simple! Brush, floss, and avoid tobacco. These simple things, coupled with regular trips to the dentist, will keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful. For nearly twenty years, Community Dental Group has been keeping Newbury Park smiles healthy. Our qualified and caring dental staff can answer any of your dental hygiene questions. Contact us at (805) 499-1253 for an exam consultation with Dr. Steven Destler, DDS or Dr. Shaun Malik, DDS. At Community Dental Group, we love to see you smile!