You likely have heard brushing and flossing regularly is key for your dental health, but it’s also important for your health as well. Poor dental health can lead to major health issues. Even if you brush daily, bacteria can still be lingering in your mouth causing gum disease. Here are some reasons why taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health.

People with gum disease are 2x more likely to suffer from heart issues such as coronary artery disease and are at risk of heart attacks. One theory of why this occurs is that bacteria from your mouth enters the blood stream causing inflammation. Additionally, gum diseases can increase your risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and COPD.

Research also has showed that teeth loss increases your risk of dementia. Oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves and contribute to the type of plaque that is linked to Alzheimer’s. This article from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health gives an evidence summary. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29192686

For those with diabetes, it is important to maintain good oral health. People with diabetes are at higher risk of infections and gum disease could impact your blood sugar. Dental Problems and Diabetes is an article on WebMD that explains the corralations between these issues.

Your teeth and gums should not be painful, bleed or feel sharp. Floss before brushing and use mouthwash twice per day. Make sure you brush your tongue and cheeks as well.