A bright shining smile is one of the first things we notice about another person. Those gleaming white teeth are the highlight of a smile. Of course, everyone knows that proper dental hygiene is the first step to a beautiful smile. Many people do not know that dental hygiene also plays a pivotal role in the function of almost every other system in the human body. Dental hygiene refers to the overall health and care of the mouth including the teeth, tongue and the gums. Maintaining good dental hygiene is a crucial step in maintaining complete body health. 

Tooth Brushing Benefits the Entire Body

Brushing your teeth is an ordinary chore in an already busy life. Every morning and every evening we brush our teeth, not knowing how powerful this little ritual is to our overall health.

Not only does that toothbrush and toothpaste combination mechanically remove plaque and germs, but they also play a role in allowing your body to receive all of the nutrition it requires.

The very first step in the digestive process begins with chewing your food. The presence of food and saliva in the mouth after you have eaten are the main factors leading to tooth decay and gum disease. That toothbrush removes the leftover food and helps to clear the teeth and gums. When tooth decay begins, your body can not process nutrients as well as it should.

Painful teeth and gums will affect how we chew our food and in turn, affect the digestive system. Malnutrition can begin with swollen gums and decaying teeth.

Studies completed by the Academy of General Dentistry have shown that many of the most damaging of diseases may begin with improper oral care.

 These studies have highlighted the links between periodontal disease and vascular disease, one of the main causes of premature death. These same studies also show a correlation between periodontal disease and health conditions like diabetes, oral cancer, leukemia and kidney disease. While the relationship is sometimes difficult to understand, the Academy of General Dentistry believes that almost 90% of the most common systemic disease might have origins in improper oral care.

Facial and oral pain are other common symptoms attributed to improper or substandard oral care. In countries where dental care is difficult to find, swollen gums and pain when eating are common complaints. Often, headaches are caused by tooth or bone damage due to grinding of the teeth. A trip to the dentist can offer relief for many of these uncomfortable symptoms. With this information, it is easy to see how maintaining excellent overall dental hygiene might be one of the most crucial efforts that you can make for your health.