It’s essential to look after your oral health because it is closely connected to your immune system. Thanks to numerous clinical studies, we now know that heart disease, dementia, respiratory diseases and diabetes are all linked to poor oral health.
Regular brushing and flossing remove bacteria that live naturally in your mouth, but if you fail to look after your oral health, these bacterial colonies quickly build up. When they reach unmanageable levels, they infect and inflame your gums, causing them to become fragile and to bleed easily. As your gums bleed, these bacteria can enter your blood and will travel freely around your body. Once inside your body, these bacteria cause inflammation that prompts an immune response. The immune response is perfectly natural, but when it is prolonged, it can create the ideal conditions for other health problems.
A good preventative oral care routine that includes regular checkups and hygiene appointments can help you to avoid oral health problems while protecting your general health. A daily oral hygiene routine of brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes and flossing once-a-day will take you less than 10 minutes to complete. If it has been a while since you saw a dentist, contact us today to book your checkup.