Failing to take good care of your oral health can have serious consequences. Not only is it obviously bad for your teeth and gums, but it can even be detrimental to your overall health as well.

Here are some interesting facts about dental health that you should know.

Some Diseases Have Been Linked to Poor Oral Health

Preeminent research has demonstrated a link between poor oral health and certain common diseases and cardiovascular problems. Bacteria and particles in the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, causing disease. Your gums are a very thin barrier – that’s why it’s so easy for them to bleed. Ever cut yourself flossing, or brushing with a hard bristle brush? Good oral health is vital to your overall health.

You Need to Use the Proper Technique and Proper Products

The first part of this one is more important. Some dentists argue that the products don’t really make much of a difference – they’re more or less cosmetic, and all do the same thing. However, proper and consistent technique is vital to protecting your teeth and oral health.

Three Out of Every Four People in America Have Some Form of Gum Disease

Bacteria roam wild in our mouths. Combined with food particles and mucus, these bacteria continually create a colorless, sticky plaque on our teeth, and flossing and brushing serve to help eliminate it. Plaque that sticks around can solidify and turn into tartar that brushing cannot clean. This tartar, when left untreated, can develop into gum disease.

When Ingested Habitually, Fluoridated Toothpaste Can Lead to Fluoride Toxicity in Children

Be sure that your kids know to spit out extra fluoride toothpaste and rinse their mouths well rather than swallowing it. Excess amounts of fluoride can cause a condition known as dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a cosmetic dental condition that can affect teeth up until age eight. During these first eight years of life, most permanent teeth are still being formed.

The First Bristled Toothbrush Was Created in China Over Five-Hundred Years Ago

In 1498, bristles from horses, badgers, and hogs were used to create the first toothbrush. Fortunately, the toothbrushes we use today do not use animal hair for their bristles.

You Should Replace Your Toothbrush After Being Sick

Microbes are able to take root in toothbrush bristles. This can lead to re-infection. Therefore, it’s important that you dispose of your old toothbrush and get a new one after having any sort of viral infection. Otherwise, you might get sick all over again. If anyone else uses your toothbrush for whatever reason (we hope that doesn’t happen), they could certainly get sick as well.

Renowned Dentist in San Diego

There’s no better way to take care of your oral health than to regularly see a qualified dental practitioner. Having your teeth cleaned professionally is the best way to prevent the buildup of plaque that can become tartar and lead to periodontal disease.

Contact the office of Dr. Michael McBride today to schedule an appointment.  

Sources:

https://askthedentist.com/does-fluoride-toothpaste-work/

https://www.dentalbuzz.com/2014/12/30/toothpaste-can-do-more-harm-than-good/

https://mcbridedental.com