This is literally a laughing matter. I am here to emphasize the importance of proper oral care. There’s research indicating that gum disease can be associated with several other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or strokes. Another recent study out of the University of Helsinki in Finland found that the same bacteria that causes gum infection could also play a role in the emergence of pancreatic cancer. So let's get this message out there and act like this is as important as it really is.
When you realize that oral health affects our overall health, you need to start prioritizing it immediately.
Brush ’em, floss 'em, use mouthwash, and visit your dentist regularly. I understand that it might add a few extra minutes to your bedtime and morning routine but it sure beats dealing with potentially life-threatening disease down the road, right?
And if I have to rant about something, it'll be floss. You should never skip flossing. Ideally you need floss at least once a day, because truth be told most of the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease lives in ‘hard to get to’ areas between the teeth [of course it would]. And the only way to physically remove this plaque from between the teeth is to floss.
If I were to give anyone three tips on oral hygiene, it would be, floss, floss and floss.
Plaque can also build up on your tongue, so don’t neglect your tongue. Some people are into tongue scraping where with the proper tool you scrape debris off your tongue, reducing bad breath as well.
Maybe all of this is just some white noise nonsense to you and you aren't concerned about your heath like this, but maybe you're on a quest to achieve a perfectly flawless complexion because your dental health can also have a major bearing on your skin.
For years people have asked me about my health routines and how my skin is so glowy, and my answer was always "floss, water and oils", the only thing different today is that I add sleep to the list as well, but when you think about it, it makes total sense.
Our mouth acts like a gateway into the body, and just as things like our hormones, digestion and other factors can affect the glow of our complexion, so can the state of our oral health. Therefore poor oral health can have negative consequences for the entire body. Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation, infection, diseases, dull skin or acne.
Healthy teeth and gums make it easy for you to eat well and enjoy good food too.
So brush twice a day but not aggressively. Substitute sugary drinks to a glass of water every once in a while. And treat flossing as important as brushing. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will help you maintain healthy teeth and gums which in your case could be a lifesaving self-care act.