Today, many doctors refer patients to gum specialists because the condition of your mouth reveals a lot about the condition of the rest of your body. For example, more than 90% of people with heart conditions also have gum infections and inflammation called Periodontitis.

Oral hygiene does more than simply help you have a pretty smile and fresh breath. Healthy teeth and gums can help prevent many serious health issues like Diabetes and heart conditions.

Here are some reasons why it is so important to keep your mouth in top health.

Some Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene:

1. Heart Health. Bacteria in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to your heart and infect it, and keeping your gums free of inflammation lowers your risk for heart attack and stroke.

2. Better-managed Diabetes. The link between Diabetes and Periodontitis is especially strong. Infections lead to inflammation, which interferes with your body’s ability to regulate your blood sugar, and the resulting high blood sugar encourages inflammation. It is a vicious circle.

3. Reduce respiratory infections. It’s a short path from your mouth to your bronchial tubes and lungs, and eliminating mouth bacteria makes Pneumonia and other infections less likely.

4. Strengthen your bones. Sturdy teeth, bones, and joints go together. A nutritious diet fights tooth cavities, Osteoporosis, and Arthritis. So having healthy teeth helps you chew your food properly, and get all the nutrition from it that your body needs.

5. Sharpen your thinking. Studies show that people with healthy gums and teeth score higher on tests for cognitive skills. Beef up your memory by brushing your teeth may sound fully, but it can help. You may even stave off dementia and so enjoy your golden years more.

6. Have a healthy baby. Poor dental care has also been linked to premature labor and lower birth weight, and there is a connection between pregnancy and an increased chance of dental problems. Schedule dental checkups as part of your prenatal care.