Oral hygiene doesn't just translate into a more attractive smile. Dental experts say that healthy mouths are a sign of overall health, with some evidence suggesting that cavities, gum disease and even bad breath can mean trouble for the rest of the body.How does the health of my mouth affect my overall health?
Oral hygiene doesn't just translate into a more attractive smile. Dental experts say that healthy mouths are a sign of overall health, withHumans use their mouths for both biological and sociological purposes, says Canadian Dental Association president Heather Carr. Additionally, because of how teeth sit in our mouths, too many damaged or missing teeth change the pressure exerted on the remaining teeth and the mouth itself.
"In the most serious cases, if gets into the bloodstream, individuals get bacterial endocarditis," said Carr, referring to a life-threatening inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's valves and chambers.with gum disease can also give birth to babies with low birth weight, or babies that arrive earlier than expected.Maria Salome Lomlomdjian is a Toronto-area dentist who specializes in providing inclusive dental care to patients with accessibility needs.