SAEDNEWS: Brushing your teeth not only benefits oral and dental health, but also has an amazing impact on overall health, including the health of the heart and lungs.
According to SAEDNEWS, The first thing we usually notice and remember when meeting someone is their smile, which makes having white and shiny teeth very important. Moreover, most people are unaware that dental hygiene, besides contributing to appearance, affects nearly 90% of other bodily functions, making it incredibly vital for overall health.
Digestion begins with chewing, and the presence of food particles and saliva in the mouth after eating is a major factor leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing helps remove leftover food and cleanses the teeth and gums, so when teeth decay, the body struggles to process nutrients.
Gum and tooth pain can interfere with chewing and, consequently, digestion—potentially leading to malnutrition. That’s why in this section, we will explore the remarkable benefits of brushing your teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice a day can help prevent heart inflammation and other complications. Harmful bacteria entering the heart can cause tissue inflammation (endocarditis), which can be especially dangerous for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
Research shows a strong link between oral health and lung health. Brushing your teeth can help reduce the risk of infection spreading from the mouth to the lungs during breathing, especially for individuals with chronic lung conditions.
If harmful bacteria residing in the mouth travel to the lungs, they can easily lead to respiratory issues such as bronchitis, COPD, and pneumonia.
There is a close connection between gum disease and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's. Brushing your teeth helps maintain memory retention, as a study involving 6,000 participants revealed that bacteria from gum infections can reach the brain—a process that occurs when oral infections, due to poor brushing habits, spread through the body.
Although it is well-known that gum disease can have harmful effects on the body, regular brushing helps prevent the buildup of harmful and foul-smelling bacteria such as plaque. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to issues like pericoronitis, which is caused by inflamed tissue and results in cheek swelling, bad breath, and sores.
As the gums become swollen, you may gradually lose the alveolar bone (gum bone) surrounding your teeth, and eventually the teeth themselves. Additionally, periodontitis contributes to the development of several other diseases.
Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth cause swelling and inflammation of the gums. To prevent plaque formation, tartar buildup, and gum swelling, it is essential to brush your teeth daily.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene can lower the risk of stroke, as oral bacteria may enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. Therefore, brushing your teeth—which helps eliminate these bacteria—can contribute to reducing the likelihood of stroke.
There is a link between poor oral hygiene and diabetes. Bacteria in the mouth can interfere with insulin’s effectiveness in the bloodstream, making it harder to regulate blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
