A joke that is told often in dental practices goes “you don’t have to brush your teeth, only the ones you want to keep” and this usually sticks with clients. Brushing your teeth is important but not the only element in proper oral care. Flossing, using mouth wash, a proper diet, cleaning the tongue and regular dental visits are considered a comprehensive regime. Proper oral hygiene is important for maintaining not only the health of teeth but gums and overall health. Many people are unaware of the serious consequences that poor dental hygiene can have on your general health and more studies are investigating links between more serious conditions and poor dental health. A little prevention is better than a cure, so do not take lightly that brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouth wash, a proper diet and regular dental visits can help prevent the following illnesses:
Alzheimer’s disease
The University of Central Lancashire investigated the link between Alzheimer’s and oral health. Researchers compared brain samples from a small group of people with Alzheimer’s to samples of people who did not have the disease. They discovered something in common with the brain samples of people who had Alzheimer’s disease. The bacterium known as Porphyromonas gingivalis was only present in the sample of Alzheimer’s disease, the more stunning discovery is that Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with chronic gum disease. Once the bacterium leaves the mouth and enters the bloodstream it damages functional neurons in the region of the brain related to memory.
Pancreatic cancer
Researchers at Harvard University concluded that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of pancreatic cancer, when compared to men who had never had gum disease. That risk was even greater for men with recent tooth loss. The research was unable to definitively state whether periodontitis bacteria was the cause of pancreatic cancer but it has proven that there was a link between the two. The bacterium is associated with the affecting the tissue that support the teeth, causing bone loss around the base of the teeth.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease also seems to be linked to poor oral health. Periodontists have found that adults who are completely or partially toothless, are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney infections and kidney failures, compared to people who have no missing teeth.
Pregnancy complications
Research has revealed that periodontal disease may increase the risk of premature birth and resultant low birth weight, it is therefore recommended that pregnant women who have periodontal disease schedule regular dental appointments from a periodontist.
Bacterial chest infections
People with gum disease or who do not practice proper oral hygiene have been shown to have more bacteria in their mouth, which leads to higher probability of developing upper respiratory infections.
Good oral hygiene is an important element to living a healthy lifestyle. Schedule an appointment today and take the path of prevention with proper oral health care. Adental Care has four offices in the Houston, Texas area and we have an experienced team ready to assist you with your questions or concerns. Please contact us at any of our locations below.
Greenspoint Office
Address
A Dental Care
165 Greens Road
Houston, TX 77060
Phone: 281-668-5869
Gulf Gate Office
Address
A Dental Care
6888 Gulf Freeway
Houston, TX 77087
Phone: 281-549-2793
Tidwell Office
Address
A Dental Care
3301 Tidwell Road, Suite D
Houston, TX 77093
Phone: 281-394-0695
Union Dental Office
Address
A Dental Care
4654 Highway 6 N, Suite 401
Houston, TX 77084
Phone: 281-549-2807
