We all know that brushing our teeth, flossing regularly, and scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Everyone wants to avoid cavities and root canals, however, taking care of your mouth is crucial to protecting more than just your teeth and gums.
Let’s take a look at some of the other parts of the body that may be affected by poor oral hygiene –– and be sure to schedule your annual preventative services check up with Children’s Dentistry of Las Vegas!
Bloodstream
Bacteria is collected on our teeth in the form of plaque. Usually, brushing your teeth removes the plaque from your teeth and eliminates any effect it may have on your health. If you do not brush your teeth and floss regularly, however, this bacteria collects near your gums. Any break in the gums can create an entry point for those harmful microbes, which can then make their way into your bloodstream.
Pancreas
The pancreas is the gland that is in charge of producing the cells that make insulin, which help regulate blood sugar levels. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease can cause the body to develop an insulin resistance, which in turn can cause type 2 diabetes. More recently, studies have found a link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancers – yet another reason to brush regularly and avoid plaque build up on your teeth.
Heart
Believe it or not, bacteria that isn’t eliminated in the mouth may be transferred to the bloodstream. From there, it can make its way to the heart and other blood vessels. A buildup of plaque in any major artery greatly increases any person’s chance of stroke or heart attack. Who knew that brushing your teeth was also a heart-healthy activity?
Reproductive Organs
Did you know that bad oral hygiene can increase an expectant mother’s risk of preterm birth or delivering of a low birth weight baby? An excess of bacteria in the mouth can release toxins that reach the mother’s placenta. From there, it may interfere with the development of the baby. The same toxins may also cause the release of hormones that could trigger premature labor and delivery.
This infographic is brought to you by the team at Children’s Dentistry of Las Vegas.
To learn more, or to make an appointment to see our family dentists in Las Vegas, contact our team today by calling (702) 832-0508.