Practice Good Dental Hygiene to Avoid These Major Illnesses

We all know that we need to brush and floss regularly in order to have healthy teeth and gums. But if having a terrific smile and keeping your natural teeth aren’t good enough motivators to practice good oral hygiene habits, we have some other information that might provide even more motivation. Research has shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to some other much more serious physical maladies.

Heart Disease:

There appears to be a direct link between gum disease and heart ailments. One of the most obvious occurs in people who have bleeding gums, which is one of the major signs of gum disease. When your gums bleed, bacteria is able to enter the body through the bloodstream. That bacteria can attach itself to platelets which, in turn, can lead to blood clot formation, and those clots can interrupt the flow of blood to the heart.

Alzheimer’s Disease:

Researchers have discovered a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease. In fact, some studies suggest that people with gum disease are nine times more likely to have lower cognitive functioning that people with healthy gums.

Pancreatic Cancer:

Gum disease has also been linked to this devastating form of cancer. Studies show that the carcinogenic compounds associated with gum disease can form an environment that is more conducive to the disease.

Remember, brushing and flossing each day, in addition to visiting your dentist on a regular basis, can result in good overall health. It’s about so much more than just a pretty smile!

To schedule an appointment with Austin dentist, Dr. John Glennon, call today – (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283649.php