Unexpected Benefits of Brushing Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is key to extend the life of your teeth. Regular maintenance and visits to your dentist can prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, and reduce the risk of oral infections. A healthy looking smile also gives you a boost in confidence so you can socialize without worry.
You might be surprised to learn that brushing your teeth has several other health benefits that extend beyond your mouth. Your mouth acts as a gateway to many other parts of your body — as a result, your oral health can have a great impact on your overall health.
Let’s take a look at some of the unexpected health benefits of proper oral hygiene.
1. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
According to a study published by the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, proper oral hygiene is associated with a lowered risk atrial fibrillation and heart failure.
The study suggests that poor oral hygiene can increase the number of bacteria in your blood which can lead to inflammation. Inflammation in the heart can interfere with its ability to effectively pump blood throughout the body.
By brushing your teeth several times a day, you may be helping your heart do its job more effectively.
2. Reduced Risk of Lung Infections
The American Academy of Periodontology found that people with poor oral health were more susceptible to respiratory diseases and infections like bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Your mouth is home to many different types of bacteria — some good, some bad. As you inhale, your breath carries small drops of saliva into your lungs, many of which contain these bacteria. When the bad bacteria is allowed to proliferate, it increases the chances of them ending up in your lungs, where they can cause inflammation and infection.
Keeping on top of your oral health may offer some protection from lung disease.
3. Healthier Pregnancies
Research shows that gum disease may increase the risk of premature births and low-birth-weight babies.
Pregnancies causes changes in hormones that affect the bacteria in your mouth. Women who are pregnant are more likely to have gingivitis which can lead to more serious infections in the mouth.
Bacteria in the mouth may be able to enter the bloodstream and target the baby while still in the womb — triggering a premature birth.
Women who are pregnant should visit their dentist regularly to minimize the risk of infections or a preterm birth.
4. Regular Brushing May Help Men With Erectile Dysfunction
There may be a positive link between poor oral hygiene and erectile dysfunction. According to a study published in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, men with severe chronic periodontitis are 3.29 times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than men with healthy gums.
You read that correctly — regular oral maintenance can improve performance in the bedroom
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
As the Denture & Implant Centre, our number one priority is helping our patients live a healthier lifestyle.
Missing or damaged teeth can directly contribute to the issues listed above. We offer affordable and customized denture packages with expert advice for every patient that walks through our doors — contact our Red Deer offices today to learn more about how dentures can benefit your day-to-day life.
