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Importance of Oral Hygiene
People in India often neglect dental hygiene, as many of us don’t know how important it is to keep your teeth, tongue, and gums clean. The oral cavity of mouth is the primary point of entrance in the body. It is directly connected to the stomach and respiratory system, so avoidance of good hygiene in the mouth can cause sickness of these parts of the body. Oral cleanliness is not only good for oral health but also overall health. The human oral cavity contains lots of microorganisms –good and bad. When one does not take care of his/her oral hygiene, these microbes, along with food or water, enter the body and create many diseases. Poor dental health means bleeding or inflammatory gums, tooth cavities, or loss. This means the oral cavity is contaminated with harmful microbes that ultimately responsible for overall well being. Here we will see what kind of diseases are results of avoidance of oral hygiene,
Diseases you can avoid by following dental hygiene
1. Cardiovascular disease:
Gum disease or periodontitis results from poor oral care; this leads to the accumulation of bacteria responsible for cardiovascular disease. These microbes pass into the bloodstream and cause inflammation of blood vessels. As a result, blood flow into the heart impairs, and chances of heart attack increases. Also, the same bacterium causes gum diseases, is responsible for atherosclerosis as they build up plaque and harden arteries. Ultimately, it results in low blood flow and heart failure. Such damage is also accountable for hypertension or stroke.
Endocarditis is the heart’s fatal condition, and it happens when infectious bacteria from other body parts come to the heart and accumulate in different parts of the heart. Microorganisms from the oral cavity can easily contaminate the inner lining of the heart chamber and put you at lethal risk. you can avoid cardio vascular disease by maintaining good oral hygiene.
2.
Respiratory infection:
The mouth is directly connected to the respiratory tract. So, poor oral health puts a person at risk of respiratory infection, especially bacterial pneumonia. When the oral cavity is contaminated, for example, having tooth caries or gum disease at that time, bacteria are being breathed from throat and mouth to the lung and cause bacterial pneumonia. Also, the chances of COPD, acute bronchitis, tonsillitis, and other respiratory infections increase.
Research for the connection between oral hygiene and respiratory infection concluded that a person who does not maintain good dental hygiene practice is more prone to infections than others. People with existing lung disease can aggravate conditions if not take care of their mouths. you can avoid respiratory infections by maintaining good oral hygiene.
3.
Preterm birth:
Low birth weight infants or premature babies are due to periodontal disease. Yes, the most common factor for toxicity is gum diseases. Very few people know about this fact. During pregnancy, a massive level of hormonal changes occurs. These changes are responsible for gingival changes and make gums vulnerable to infection.
If during pregnancy, the mother does not take care of oral health, then bacteria responsible for gum disease go into the bloodstream and reach the cervical fluid. After that, toxins of these bacteria cross the placenta and cause fetal toxicity, which results in preterm or premature birth. Sometimes, if a mother’s immunity is low, then a chance of miscarriage is also there. So, one should not neglect oral health at this time. you can avoid pre-term birth by maintaining good oral hygiene.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
It is an inflammatory disease that is not limited to joints, but it spreads throughout the body. Numerous research studies have shown result that a person who has gingivitis (gum inflammation) or any gum disease is at a higher risk of arthritis.
The oral bacteria which cause inflammation of gingival are also responsible for inflammation of joints. They travel via the blood to the joints and other parts of the body and develop a painful disease called rheumatoid arthritis. you can avoid rheumatoid arthritis by maintaining good oral hygiene.
5. Diabetes complication:
A diabetic person is always vulnerable to infections. When one is suffering from diabetes, he should maintain good oral hygiene because he is more prone to gum diseases and, ultimately, other diseases. Also, infections of the oral cavity increase the risk of diabetes complications. It makes diabetes uncontrollable. When our body suffers from infection to fight against it, blood glucose levels usually rise, which makes diabetes unmanageable. Also, dental issues lead to less or limited food intake that again causes problems for diabetic patients.
Other than these diseases, certain brain diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, and cancer are results of poor oral care. So, now we all know how dangerous it can be if we avoid an oral hygiene practice. you can avoid diabetes complications by maintaining good oral hygiene.
ways to ensure good oral health
- Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Go for a dental check-up every six months.
- Use mouthwash every day. Use a toothpaste and mouthwash that has good fluoride content.
- Do not try any dental remedies at home; consult your dentist for any problems.
- Limit consumption of sugar and opt for a healthy diet.
- Ask your dentist brushing technique, Change your brush every three months, and never brush for more than 3 minutes or with too much pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions related to good dental hygiene
1) Signs of poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Here are some signs that may indicate poor oral hygiene:
- Bad breath: This is often caused by bacteria that accumulate in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene.
- Tooth decay: Cavities are a result of bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar and produce acid, which erodes tooth enamel.
- Gum disease: This is caused by bacteria that build up along the gum line, leading to inflammation and infection.
- Yellow or discolored teeth: Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque, which can cause teeth to become discolored or yellow.
- Bleeding or swollen gums: This is a common sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.
- Tooth sensitivity: This can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay and gum recession, both of which are often caused by poor oral hygiene.
- Painful or loose teeth: This is a sign of advanced gum disease or tooth decay, which may require extensive dental treatment.
2) Risk factors associated with poor oral hygiene
- Several risk factors are associated with poor oral hygiene, including:
- Poor brushing and flossing habits
- High sugar or carbohydrate intake
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Medications that reduce saliva flow or cause dry mouth
- Genetics and family history
- Poor access to dental care and limited knowledge about proper oral hygiene practices
These risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit a dentist regularly to prevent these issues.
3) Long-term effects of poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can have several long-term effects on your dental health and overall well-being, including:
- Gum disease: Untreated gum disease can progress and cause irreversible damage to the gums and bones that support teeth, leading to tooth loss.
- Tooth decay: Cavities that are left untreated can grow and cause infection, which may require a root canal or extraction.
- Bad breath: Chronic bad breath can negatively impact your social life and self-confidence.
- Oral cancer: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
- Cardiovascular disease: The bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the development of heart disease.
- Respiratory infections: Poor oral hygiene can lead to the growth of bacteria that cause respiratory infections like pneumonia.
- Diabetes: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Winding Up
Please do not neglect your teeth and gums as they are the primary source of your well being. If you become irresponsible for your mouth, then you will end up in life with full of ailments. Keeping your oral health care is an investment of your overall health. Practicing some simple and regular dental care can keep a person away from unwanted diseases.
