It turns out that taking good care of your teeth and gums will do much more than just give you a healthy and bright smile! A healthy smile and a healthy body go hand-in-hand. Taking good care of your oral health can help to lower the risk of you developing many serious diseases and possibly, preserving your memory for many more years to come. This new research proves how important it is to not just take off our mouths but to teach your little ones to always brush twice a day. And, if you’re tempted to shrug off your good oral hygiene habits, i.e. brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and seeing your dentist regularly, remember that you’re a role model for your children!

In this blog post, we’ll tell you all the surprising different health problems that taking care of your mouth can help you with.

Heart disease

Believe it or not, keeping check of your oral hygiene may actually help you lower your chances of developing cardiovascular problems such as strokes, blocked blood vessels and heart disease. The findings of numerous studies have linked chronic inflammation from gum disease to the development of heart problems, so by caring for your gums (an often-forgotten part of your mouth), you’re also looking after your heart.

Memory

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry published a study in which they found that adults with swollen and bleeding gums (gingivitis), performed worse on a test of memory and cognition, than their fellow participants who did not have any gum problems. Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction, both skills used in everyday life.

Through the use of an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste, you can drastically lower your chances of developing bleeding and swollen gums, and if these results are correct, lower your chances of losing memory and cognition skills!

Stable Blood Sugar

For those who suffer from diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels is extremely important. And those who do not handle their diabetes well, having a constantly changing and random sugar level, are more likely to develop gum disease. In fact, those suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop more serious gum problems than those who do not have the condition, so regularly flossing and brushing is so crucial to managing your blood sugar levels.

Inflamed Joints

Research has found that there is a correlation between inflammation of the joints and gum disease! Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss and use an antiseptic mouthwash once a day.

Carrying a Baby to Term

Women may experience increased gingivitis during pregnancy. Some research suggests a relationship between gum disease and preterm, low-birthweight infants.

Not all studies have found a solid link, but maintaining good oral health is still the best goal. If you’re pregnant, visit your dentist or periodontist as part of your prenatal care.

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