May is National Dental Care Month and serves as a reminder on why caring for our teeth is so important. If you’re just going through the motions of cleaning your teeth and not properly brushing, flossing, or visiting your dentist regularly, you could be at risk for dental and overall health issues. It is critical to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine every month.
Your Mouth is the Gateway to Your Body
While maintaining dental health is important for keeping your teeth and gums, it can also affect your overall health. Your mouth can reveal signs of nutritional deficiencies and even general infections. Further, certain systemic diseases that affect the entire body, like diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Sjögren’s syndrome, could first be noticed by mouth lesions or other oral health issues.
Our mouths are filled with countless bacteria, some of which are linked to tooth decay and gum disease. Researchers have found that severe gum disease, known as periodontitis can be linked to other health problems like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia. Further, pregnant women with periodontitis could be at risk for delivering preterm and/or delivered a baby with a low birth weight.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene for a Lifetime
Your teeth are meant to last you a lifetime. Knowing that, and knowing how your dental health can affect your smile and your overall health, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene. To keep a healthy smile, the CDC recommends that you:
Regular visits to the dentist are a good way to maintain dental health. Please contact Dr. Soto the Downey Dentist to book an appointment.
Schedule your spring-cleaning today!
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