It is very important to take good care of your teeth and gums, but for more reasons than you might think. Because the mouth is the “gateway to the body,” bacteria from the teeth and gums can affect your overall health in more ways than one.
As most people know poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay or cavities and periodontitis. The teeth are covered in a hard outer coating called enamel. Every day, a thin film of bacteria (dental plaque) builds up on the teeth which produces a bacteria that can eat a hole in this enamel if not removed. Brushing and flossing can help protect your teeth from decay, but once a cavity has formed, a dentist has to repair it.
Gum disease is another consequence of poor dental hygiene. When plaque builds up along and under the gum line, infections can occur that harm the gums and the bone that hold the teeth in place. The most severe form of gum disease is known as periodontal disease. In this case, infection has become so severe that bone deterioration can occur, leading to tooth loss. But if untreated it can have other consequences as well.
It is well known that the bacteria which causes gingivitis – infection in the gums – also can give infection other places in your body and give you higher risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory problems, memory loss, and arthritis. A gum disease can also make diabetes harder to control.
