The Mayo Clinic reports that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health. This November, National Dental Hygiene Month, get to know your mouth and understand the connection between good oral hygiene and being healthy overall.
The American Dental Association reports that in a recent study, people with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have a chronic condition on top of it. To prevent gum disease or tooth decay practice good oral care on a daily basis. Also, if you take medications, like decongestants or painkillers, be mindful that they can reduce the amount of saliva you produce. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. When this happens, the existing bacteria can grow excessively and lead to more serious diseases such as periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that is often painless and causes bone loss.
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association encourages us to focus on four components of good oral health maintenance: brushing teeth twice daily, flossing every day, rinsing with antimicrobial mouth rinse and chewing sugar-free gum. You should contact your dentist as soon as oral problems arise.
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