Gone are the days when ignorance was considered bliss. It is now the era when everyone wants to be the “Know it all” kind of an individual. Knowledge in any and every form helps you in a variety of ways. Recent studies have revealed that one’s general or overall health cannot be separated from one’s oral health. A healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy body.
It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or certain infections. For example, systemic diseases that affect the body, such as diabetes, AIDS, anemia may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems. The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers have found that gum diseases like pyorrhea is linked with other health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant women with pyorrhea may be at an increased risk of delivering preterm and/or low-birth-weight infants.
Now that you know that your mouth can affect your body and reflect its state of well-being to a great extent, the question arises as to how you can protect your oral health.
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings, at least once in 6 to 8 months.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
Have a healthy mouth and hence a healthy body!
Leave a Reply