By: Ana Margarita A. Olar| Vigorbuddy.com
In a world of work, stress, technology and fashion, oral health becomes a lesser priority. Here are some reasons to ponder upon and think twice before you set aside you oral health:
Good oral health prevents gum disease.
Gum disease may vary in severity, from a mild gingivitis to a more serious periodontitis. Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque and tartar build up on the teeth that attract bacteria causing redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If diagnosed early, it can be treated. If left untreated, the bones and nerves surrounding the tooth can be damaged leading to losing of teeth.
To keep your teeth.
Because gum disease can lead to tooth loss, one reason to prioritize your oral health is the obvious one: to keep your teeth. And why is that important? So that you can enjoy the foods you eat so that you can chew your food well and avoid indigestion, it also affects your speech, and also having a perfect set of pearly whites adds to your overall appearance and confidence.
To prevent oral cancer.
A regular visit to a dentist at least twice a month can help a lot in screening for oral cancer which is highly curable if detected early.
To prevent other types of cancer.
Research shows that men with poor oral health are at 30 % risk of having blood-related cancers, 54% chance of having pancreatic cancer, and 49% chance of having kidney cancer.
Oral health reduces the risk of the following conditions:
Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner layer of the heart which may be caused by bacteria from other parts of the body such as the mouth which enters the blood stream and infects the heart.
Cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that bacteria from frequently infected gums can contribute to clogged arteries and stroke.
Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies suggest that tooth loss before the age of 35 may be a contributing factor for having Alzheimer’s disease.
Oral health is necessary to a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
Hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy causes the gums to soften and be easily infected. The bacteria from the mouth can cross the placenta, leading to preterm delivery and low birth weight infant.
These serious conditions brought about by poor oral health can be easily prevented by just going back to basics: eat healthy, brush your teeth well, avoid too much of sweets, and, more importantly, visit your dentist regularly for a checkup.
