Dental care and good oral hygiene is more than just about healthy gums and teeth or keeping your smile radiant. There are some life threatening illnesses that have been linked to oral hygiene. Some of these illnesses include;
1. Heart Disease
For over a century, doctors have warned of the connection between poor oral hygiene and heart disease. Various studies done over roughly the same period of time have shown that people with poor oral hygiene are more likely to suffer from heart attacks and other heart diseases than those who practice good oral hygiene.
Despite the fact that there are those who dispute the studies saying that it only shows a correlation, gingivitis may still be a symptom of heart disease.
2. Cancer
A study released on 2012 shows that there is some evidence to suggest that people who have a high level of plaque on their teeth are more likely to die of cancer. Another study released a year later showed that people with missing teeth and swollen gums are more susceptible to the HPV virus that can cause cancer of the cervix, throat and mouth.
3. Diabetes
Studies have also suggested that people with type 2 Diabetes were more likely to have oral health issues than people without. Diabetes patients are more susceptible to bacterial infection and further have a diminished immunity to fight the infection. This means that persistent oral health issues could be a major sign of diabetes.
Dental care is therefore important to keep some of these conditions at bay. Contact The Holistic Dental Center in Spokane, WA for dental services to reduce risks.