Often the most understated practices in our health is dental hygiene. Neither we make regular trips to a dentist’s chair nor we like being told how to brush our teeth although it is well documented that oral health has a link to our overall health.
Pregnant ladies are recommended to schedule regular dental appointments to make sure they do not suffer from any gum problems. Gingivitis can grow acute during pregnancy. Other gum problems can lead to preterm or low birth weight infants. Not only gum problems affect pregnant ladies but it can make other health conditions worse.
Dental Hygiene and Relation to Other Diseases
Bad dental hygiene makes it harder to control Blood Sugar levels
Gum inflammation and periodontal disease can make it difficult to control the blood sugar levels and make you prone to diabetes. On the other hand, diabetic people must be careful with their oral health as they are more prone to periodontal diseases.
Bad dental hygiene means more infections and inflammations
There is a link between gum disease and development of rheumatoid arthritis. Gum diseases can also lead to lung infections, especially pneumonia.
Bad dental hygiene leads to Heart Risks
The bacteria which causes gum inflammation can travel to the arteries of the heart through the blood stream. It can cause hardening of the arteries by depositing plaque on the walls leading to thickening of the walls and reduced blood flow which in turn may cause heart stroke.