Ever picture your toothbrush as a safeguard against heart disease? How about as a shield against respiratory illness? When you practice good oral hygiene and include proper brushing as part of a preventive oral health plan, that’s essentially what your toothbrush can become.
We know they seem totally unrelated. After all, our teeth are primarily used for just cutting and chewing our food. But they also start the whole digestive process and, along with your gums, are the main entrance into your body. Poor oral health can have a negative impact on your overall health. Your dentist can play a supportive role in helping you stay healthy.
What are the Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene?
Your body can develop some serious health conditions silently, with no overt symptoms alerting you to any disease. But an unhealthy mouth isn’t shy about letting you know there’s a problem. If you develop any of the following signs of poor oral health, you should see your dentist immediately.
- Mouth sores
- Bleeding gums
- Loose or lost teeth
- Jaw pain
- Recurring or persistent bad breath
- Toothache
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