Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day and having cleanings and exams done twice a year are great ways to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. However, they accomplish more than this. Routine dental care can also significantly lower your risk of ending up with serious health conditions. Find out more about how caring for your teeth and gums protects your health and well-being in general.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic condition that leads to the gradual decline of cognitive function, including memory. Researchers have found that people who have a chronic periodontal disease, or gum disease, or other kinds of inflammation have a much higher risk of having Alzheimer’s disease when they get older. This can occur due to the presence of bacteria that can get into the bloodstream through bleeding gums or while brushing teeth or eating food. 

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a form of cancer that is often discovered in the advanced stages and can be very difficult to treat successfully. Those who have gum disease that progresses to periodontitis have an increased risk of getting pancreatic cancer. Periodontitis is gum disease that occurs when bacteria attack the tissue surrounding teeth. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can turn into periodontitis without proper care and treatment. Getting treatment can reverse this inflammation before it's able to get worse.

Heart Disease

Bacterial infections, which can occur in those who have gum disease, have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. When people with gum disease have gums that bleed often, bacteria are able to get into the bloodstream and attach themselves to platelets. This can increase the risk of having blood clots form. Those who have gum disease and other risk factors for heart disease, such as being overweight, not eating healthy and not exercising, face an even higher risk.

Dental Care Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy at all times is among the easiest ways to protect yourself from these serious diseases. Having cleanings and exams done twice a year helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice per day and flossing each day also stop bacteria from building up and forming plaque. When plaque is not removed, it turns to tartar, which is much harder to get rid of. Plaque and tartar raise your risk of having tooth decay and gum problems. Rinsing with mouthwash every day can also help keep your teeth and gums in good condition.

If you’re due for a cleaning and exam, please contact Premier Dental Care to set up an appointment. We can provide you with routine dental care to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition, which improves your health and well-being overall.