March 20 marks the annual World Oral Health Day. Having good oral health is more than just a cosmetic issue. As a study funded by the British Heart Foundation has shown, poor oral health could possibly lead to deadly consequences.
In the study that involved thousands of people, it was shown that those with moderate to serious gum disease are 69% more likely to develop type II diabetes. It is because with its defense system compromised by gum disease, the body cannot properly control blood sugar anymore.1
Meanwhile, gum disease could mean up to 100 million bacteria living in a single tooth or causing gaps between teeth, where bacteria can sneak into blood. When these bacteria enter the heart, they can lodge on arteries and heart valves, causing inflammation. Over time, this could lead to serious damages to blood vessels and coronary heart disease. Oral bacteria could also lead to endocarditis — the deadly infection of the inner lining of the heart.2
How should we maintain oral health?
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Allowing toothbrush to air-dry in an upright position can prevent bacterial growth.3
- Avoid rinsing immediately after brushing. This allows the fluoride in the remaining toothpaste to continue its work.2
- Regular check-ups.
Maintaining lifelong oral health requires daily effort. But you will thank yourself for not giving up when you still have a good set of teeth and good (oral) health at a later stage in life!
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