Why Good Dental Hygiene Helps Prevent Serious Health Conditions

It’s surprising how many serious health issues — from heart disease to diabetes — have been linked to the health of your teeth and gums. Good dental hygiene, incorporating at least two professional dental cleanings per year plus regular brushing and flossing at home, plays a major role in keeping you healthy overall.

Adam Nusblatt, DMD, and the team at Nusblatt Dental in the East Village of Manhattan, New York, offer comprehensive dental hygiene services to keep your mouth and overall health in mint condition. Here’s what we want you to know about the importance of good oral health. 

What is good oral hygiene?

Good oral hygiene begins at home with proper brushing and daily flossing. When you brush, the best technique involves:

• Brushing the top of each tooth
• Placing your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline
• Brushing on both sides of your teeth in a small circular motion

Finish with a downward brush stroke and floss both sides of each tooth to the gumline to remove any remaining material. Replace your toothbrush every few months.

More than 700 species of oral bacteria inhabit your mouth — some help, some don’t. You influence their proliferation with the foods you eat and with your oral hygiene. 

To keep your mouth in tip-top shape, Dr. Nusblatt recommends consuming less sugar, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, rinsing with mouthwash, and maintaining regular dental cleanings and exams.

Your mouth is a doorway to health

Good oral hygiene goes a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy — preventing the buildup of bacteria-laden plaque and tartar. If harmful bacteria in your mouth enter your bloodstream, you could face serious health concerns. 

Gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation, and periodontal disease may contribute to health conditions such as:

• Stroke
• Pneumonia
• Cardiovascular disease
• Oral cancer

In addition, if you suffer from certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, which weakens your bones, or diabetes, you may already be at a higher risk for gum disease. Regular checkups and cleanings allow the team at Nusblatt Dental to ensure that you keep your mouth, and body, strong.

Oral health links to your overall health

Several diseases and health conditions have been linked to poor oral health. These include:

Diabetes

Nearly 95% of diabetics also suffer from periodontal disease. Because it’s more difficult to control your blood sugar when you suffer from gum disease, it also increases your risk of diabetes complications.

Breathing difficulties

Inhaling bacteria in your mouth may lead to bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, even lung disease. 

Alzheimer’s disease

Bacteria from your mouth also destroys brain cells. Oral bacteria, known as spirochetes, have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Researchers have found that cancer, kidney disease, prostate problems, and rheumatoid arthritis are also influenced by poor dental hygiene. It may also increase infertility.

Benefits of good oral hygiene

Dr. Nusblatt stresses how good oral hygiene provides myriad benefits, including:

• Fresh breath
• A glowing smile
• Reduced risk of disease and oral cancer

Good hygiene wards off decay, lessening your need for fillings, and crowns, or dentures. You’ve got nothing to lose — except your teeth — if you don’t care for them properly.

When you’re ready to set up a cleaning or arrange a consultation with Dr. Nusblatt regarding your oral health, contact Nusblatt Dental at 212-651-1605 or schedule an appointment online today.