Are you one of millions who dreads a check-up at the dentist?
You shouldn’t.
That’s because research shows there’s a connection between our oral health and our overall health, particularly to serious health problems like
diabetes, pneumonia,
heart disease, stroke and low birth-weight babies.
That’s why it’s a good idea to quit smoking.
Because smoking not only yellows and weakens your teeth, it also makes postmenopausal women more likely to lose their teeth due to periodontal disease, says
FSP Health.
Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition that may be related to the development of
cancer.
Here’s how flossing boosts your physical health AND your mental health!
That’s why it’s a good idea to floss regularly between your teeth.
If you don’t, your gums are likely to become swollen or even bleed, which is a sign that gingivitis has already set in – and this is an early warning sign of periodontal disease, says
eHow.
But it’s not just your physical health that you’ll be protecting by taking better care of your oral health.
Even your
mental health benefits from paying more attention to your oral health by flossing your teeth regularly.
That’s right, all it takes is flossing your teeth regularly to protect against
memory loss.
Another way to boost your mental health by taking better care of your oral health…
And simply brushing your teeth with the other hand could boost your brain power and memory by 40% a week, reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, says
FSP Health.
And the relationship works in reverse too.
Because if dentists pick up dental erosion, this is a sign of stomach acid problems like heartburn, adds
The Delta Optimist.
So taking better care of your oral health could save you lots of time in the doctor’s office down the line!