Miami and Coral Gables, FL
Most of us have been preached to our entire lives about the importance of taking good care of our teeth. But, did you know that it might just save your life? There’s certainly a lot of truth in that claim, and your Miami dentists want you to know just how important it is to take care of your teeth and gums, especially as you age.
Inflamed, bleeding gums often are signs of gingivitis. This early stage oral disease can be reversed with good oral hygiene of brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as well as making sure that you get your cleanings from the dentist at least twice a year. But, ignore this common oral health problem, and you may wind up developing full-blown periodontal disease that leads to loss of jawbone, loose teeth, bad breath, and eventually, tooth loss.
Wait! That’s not all. There’s something else that is affected – your entire body. Periodontal disease commonly referred to as periodontitis leads to chronic inflammation, which sets off your body’s immune response, and bacteria can easily enter your body through your bleeding gums.
Here’s how you can guard your health just by taking good care of your teeth and gums:
Improved brain function
Gum disease can increase your odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as three-fold, according to research. Also, an increased amount of harmful bacteria that causes periodontitis has been found in the saliva of stroke patients. In short, keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy to improve your brain function.
Healthier lungs
Pneumonia seems to be more prevalent among aging adults. However, a new study proved that taking care of your teeth can reduce your risk of developing pneumonia by as much as 39%!
Lower your risk of cancer
A study conducted in 2017 concluded that postmenopausal women with periodontitis were more likely to develop skin, lung, breast, esophageal, and gallbladder cancer as opposed to women of the same age group who had good oral hygiene.
Protect your kidneys
Poor oral health has long since been connected to atherosclerosis or poor kidney function. Developing chronic kidney disease can lead to a host of other health problems, including kidney failure.
Save money
Lots of people believe that taking care of their teeth, specifically going to the dentist, costs too much money. But, it’s actually neglecting your oral health that ends up costing you more in the long run, especially considering the potential health risks involved. So, each time that you brush and floss, think of it as adding to your retirement. It’s estimated that throughout the span of 20 years, adults 65 years of age and older will spend an average of $15,340 in dental expenses.
Healthy heart
Bacteria that causes periodontitis easily can end up in your bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation or infection of the inner linings of your heart. According to the National Institutes of Health, poor oral health can increase your odds of heart disease.
Stabilize your blood sugar levels
This is especially helpful for aging adults with diabetes. Poor oral health can make it difficult to maintain glucose levels. Be sure to let your dentist know if you have diabetes. Take good care of your teeth and gums, and you may see better readings on your blood sugar tests!
Better sex life
Yep, it’s true! Not only does brushing and flossing result in fresh breath (no one wants to kiss someone with bad breath), but also for men, good oral hygiene means that you are less likely to experience erectile dysfunction. One large-scale study even revealed that men with erectile dysfunction were three-times more likely to have periodontal disease.
Dentists in Miami
Taking good care of your teeth, which also means seeing your dentist twice a year, can reduce your risk of disease, help you save money, and improve your sex life. There are many benefits to having good oral hygiene, and it is never too late to start.
If you are looking for a dentist in the Miami area, please call Miami Designer Smiles at (305) 595-4616 to learn more about our services. We welcome patients of Miami and Coral Gables.