7 Unexpected Health Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene
As a kid, all of us were taught the importance of practicing oral hygiene. We were told that practising good oral hygiene is important to help prevent cavities. The truth is oral hygiene does a lot more than just help prevent cavities. This article discusses seven unexpected health benefits of good oral hygiene.1. Good Oral Hygiene Helps Prevent Cancer
Gum diseases are a contributive factor in pancreatic and some other forms of cancer. Researchers are still trying to establish the exact connection between the two. However, many researchers believe that this connection is built by the bacteria present in the mouth which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
2. It Reduces the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes
Several pieces of research have corroborated the fact that people with gum diseases are 50% more likely to develop type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar. Gum diseases cause inflammation, which leads to a condition called Insulin Resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body is unable to use insulin properly. Thus, insulin resistance is the main reason why people with gum diseases are more likely to have type-2 diabetes.
3. Good Oral Hygiene Practices Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack
According to the American College of Cardiology, gum diseases increase a person’s risk of a heart attack by almost 50%. It is because the bleeding caused by gum diseases causes the infected blood to enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
4. Good Oral Hygiene Also Promotes Lung Health
Gum diseases are mostly caused by the action of the bacteria present in the mouth. Unfortunately, sometimes, this bacteria enters the lungs and causes respiratory infections. Pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are common lung disorders caused by bacteria.
5. Good Oral Hygiene Reduces the Risk of Infertility
The inflammation caused by gum diseases can quickly spread to the reproductive organs. Thus, gum diseases are capable of indirectly affecting a woman’s ability to conceive. As a matter of fact, one study revealed that women with gum diseases, on average, take two months more than a healthy woman to conceive a baby.
6. It Leads to a Healthier Pregnancy
Some studies have revealed a positive connection between gum diseases and preterm birth and the problem of low birth weight. Both preterm birth and low birth weight are dangerous complications that can negatively affect the child as well as the mother.
7. It Promotes Gum Health
As mentioned before, the mouth is home to numerous species of bacteria. While some bacteria are good, others cause gum diseases and infections. Good oral hygiene practices stop the formation of bacterial plaque on teeth. The plaque causes inflammation in the gums and is a primary cause of many gum diseases, including periodontitis and gingivitis. Gum diseases are harmful as they can lead to tooth loss. The only way to fight harmful bacteria is to brush and floss each day.
The Final Word
Other than promoting oral health, oral hygiene also promotes overall wellbeing. It is, thus, that the importance of practicing good oral hygiene should never be undermined.