Oral hygiene goes far beyond simply brushing and flossing; although, that’s certainly where it all begins. Poor oral hygiene can actually lead to a number of significant health problems beyond your mouth, which can pop up at various places throughout your body.
Proper care of your teeth can prevent a number of common (and very serious illnesses), but it takes the partnership of you and your dentist to ensure your oral hygiene is optimized.
At our Lasalle dental facility, we treat patients with a wide range of oral health issues. It’s recommended that you see your dentist twice a year; while we do see many of our patients every six months, some people come to us looking for help because they’ve neglected their teeth for a long time.
Of course, we’re happy to help our Verdun, Lasalle, and Lachine neighbours make the most of their dental health, no matter how long it’s been since they’ve seen a dentist, but education and prevention are important to us.
In light of this, we’d like to explain a few ways bad oral hygiene can impact your overall health:
1. Cardiovascular Disease
You might be surprised to learn how much your gums tell your dentist when it comes to your overall health. Regular checkups with your dentist can help identify cardiovascular problems before they get out of control.
Periodontal (gum) disease can trigger cardiovascular disease by allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream through the mouth. Once it’s in the bloodstream, the bacteria can harden, causing atherosclerosis, which can ultimately lead to blockages in the veins and arteries.
Your dentist is your gateway to detecting cardiovascular disease. If your gums are inflamed because of bacteria, he or she can advise you on next steps to ensure you take care of your heart.
2. Dementia
Your teeth and your brain are closely connected. Poor oral health can release substances that go directly to your brain cells by way of the bloodstream. It’s been suggested that dementia and Alzheimer’s may be related, at least partially, to the release of bacteria that comes from gingivitis and other oral health problems.
Regular checkups with your dentist will help detect any gum disease that could lead to later problems.
3. Respiratory Infections
Your mouth is the gateway to your respiratory system. If your gums are in bad shape, the air your lungs receive may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause significant problems, including COPD, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
At Centre Dentaire, our dental professionals are here to help you experience the best oral hygiene possible. Our patients come to us to achieve beautiful smiles and confidence. It’s our job to ensure they’re healthy, too!
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, don’t be afraid. Centre Dentaire is here to help. Reach out to us to book your initial consultation today!