You probably know that taking good care of your oral health will prevent common thing’s like bad breath, rotting teeth, and gum disease. What most people don’t understand is the links between good oral care and a healthy body. How can brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash protects some of the most crucial parts of your body. Let’s jump in and see what researchers have discovered.

What Areas of My Body Are Linked to My Oral Health?

The inner lining of your heart has tubes called valves that can become infected when there are bacteria or other germs in another part of your body. For example, your nose or mouth develops an infection with bacteria. The bacteria can then make its way into your bloodstream and settles in parts of your heart.

Poor oral health can affect your cardiovascular system as well. Research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke are linked to infections that come from oral bacteria. Poor oral health causes problems with pregnancy like premature birth. Build up enough bacteria in your mouth, it makes its way down into your lungs and causing pneumonia.

How Can I Maintain Good Oral Health?

It’s important first to floss your teeth once per day and then brush for two minutes twice per day. Follow that up with a mouthwash containing fluoride. Eat healthy foods and limit yourself on foods that have added sugars. Make sure you replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products, it says on the package can cause cancer.

Our office is here to help you maintain the best oral care possible. If you have questions, please contact our experienced dentist at Kelly Smile Dentistry Victorville. We take our patients care seriously and are happy to connect with new patients. If you think you may experience problems with your oral health, please call us and we will set up an appointment as soon as possible to address your needs.