It’s important to take care of your mouth and teeth starting in childhood. Good habits starting at a young age continue throughout your adult years. Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. Whether you are 80 or 8, your oral health is important.
If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, your poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including:
- Oral and facial pain.According to the Office of the Surgeon General, this pain may be largely due to infection of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75% of the U.S. population.
- Problems with the heart and other major organs.Mouth infections can affect major organs. For example, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue.
- Digestion problems.Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems here can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.
You can practice good oral hygiene by always brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, replacing your toothbrush every 3 months. Don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile and yourself healthy.
Now is the time to take better care of your smile. It could improve your overall health.
