Everyone knows that if you want your smile to stay bright and beautiful, you have to brush your teeth. But did you also know that good oral care can actually help prevent lots of other conditions and diseases in other parts of the body?

If you don’t practice good dental hygiene, bacteria from your mouth and gums can spread through your bloodstream, causing a plethora of problems. The following diseases have all been linked to poor oral hygiene:

    • Endocarditis: This infection occurs when bacteria and germs from another part of your body (like your mouth) spread through your bloodstream and into the inner lining of your heart valves.
    • Cardiovascular disease: Research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
    • Pregnancy and birth complications:Periodontitis is especially dangerous for pregnant women. It has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
    • Pneumonia. If bacteria originating in your mouth find their way to your lungs, it can cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Another reason why its important to visit your dentist regularly? They’re often the first to spot complications starting in the mouth that are signs for more serious diseases, such as dementia, osteoporosis, heart problems, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD and even eating disorders.

Crazy stuff isn’t it?The good news is that maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help to prevent all of these complications. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, regular flossing and routine visits to your dentist office can all work towards both a healthy mouth and a healthy body.