1. Protect against heart disease
According to the American Heart Association, dental infections are linked to heart
disease — the leading cause of death in North America. What you may not know is
that gum disease is caused by plaque buildup and affects an alarming 75 percent
of adults. How does that affect your heart health? When bacteria from infected gums
dislodges, it can enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot
formations. These clots decrease the blood flow to the heart and can increase your
chances of a heart attack.
2. Lower your risk for diabetes
If we neglect proper dental care, bacteria that enters the bloodstream can activate
our immune cells. These activated cells produce inflammatory biological signals
that have a destructive effect throughout the entire body. In the pancreas, the
cells responsible for insulin production can be damaged or destroyed. Once this
happens, you could face serious consequences, including Type 2 diabetes — even in
otherwise healthy individuals with no other risk factors for diabetes.
3. Reduce the threat of respiratory disease
Scientists have found that bacteria growing in the oral cavity can be secreted into
the lungs and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people
with periodontal disease.
Further damage to the tissue and working function of the lungs can be prevented
by eliminating oral bacteria through proper dental care. But already damaged tissue
cannot be restored.
4. Protect against osteoporosis
Researchers at the University of Buffalo reported that people diagnosed with periodontal
disease may be at a higher risk of underlying osteoporosis. The study, published
in the Journal of Periodontology, is the first large-scale assessment of the relationship
between bone metabolism and oral health. The results indicate a very strong relationship
between the advanced form of gum disease — a cause of bone loss, gum-attachment
loss, tooth loss — and osteoporosis.
5. Support a healthy social life!
The old saying is true: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Studies show that an attractive smile is one of the first things people notice about
you. We all want a healthy smile, yet dental disease, a sign of oral neglect, is
the most prevalent disease Americans suffer from. And it doesn't discriminate. While
the risks grow as we age, people from all ages are afflicted. And the most ironic
part? Dental disease is entirely preventable by following a good dental hygiene
program!
|
