“Oral health has a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of the American population” – U.S. Surgeon General’s report on Oral Health, May 25, 2000.

A 50-year study conducted by the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that the mouth is a mirror of health & disease throughout the body. While this might seem like a bold statement to infer, below we go through the reasons why this is true.

It’s no secret that maintaining healthy oral practices is vital to effectively eliminate dangerous bacteria in the mouth. Regularly flossing and brushing will prevent some of the most common signs of gum disease such as painful bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gum lines. Along with these unpleasant oral symptoms, there is evidence which points to even more concerning health issues related with gum disease.

Here are a few of the ways how dental health affects overall health:

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Heart Disease

Gum disease forms when a large amount of bacteria has built-up between the teeth. The last severe form of gum disease is gingivitis, also called Periodontal Disease. When your teeth reach this of stage bacteria build-up, they began to rot and the bacteria enters into your bloodstream and travels throughout the rest of your body. The correlation is so strong that “a recent study shows people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease”.

Endocarditis is another example where poor oral hygiene can negatively affect your heart. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves that occurs when bacteria from your mouth gets spread through your bloodstream. While this connection is not fully understood, inflammations and infections related to endocarditis can also cause cardiovascular disease. 

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Diabetes

Having healthy teeth and gums is associated with reduced plaque buildup, gum disease, inflammation, and periodontitis. When it comes to diabetes, periodontitis can actually make insulin resistance worse. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, which is why gum disease is more common among people who have diabetes. For those with diabetes, healthy oral practices improves liver and muscle insulin sensitivity which reduces blood sugar levels, as well as the need for insulin.

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Various Health Complications & How Dental Health Affects Overall Health

Listed below are a few additional negative health affects that’s linked to poor oral hygiene:

• Pneumonia: Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
• Pregnancy & Birth Complications: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. 
• Osteoporosis: This is a bone-weakening disease that’s associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. 

One of the best ways to practice healthy oral hygiene is by regularly flossing! GumChucks design ensures a flossing experience that’s faster, easier, and more effective than competing flossers or traditional floss. Our two handles with disposable floss allows you to comfortably reach all your teeth, even those in the back, while wrapping the floss around each tooth. This creates the vital “C-Shape” necessary to get below the gum line and effectively clean each tooth.

GUMCHUCKS MAKES FLOSSING FUN, FAST, AND EASY!

Click here to get started with GumChucks today!