Maintain hygiene and oral health, not only helps to have a charming smile with white teeth. Oral hygiene and good oral health can improve overall health, reduce the risk of serious illness and even be able to maintain memory in old age.

To maintain good hygiene habits and oral health for children really should be taught as early as possible. If you’re tempted to avoid doing a good habit to maintain oral hygiene, to keep in mind is that we are role models for children. To maintain good hygiene habits and oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing (flossing), and see a dentist regularly.

By having healthy teeth and gums that can help improve overall health, among others:

A. Increase self-confidence

Tooth decay and gum disease often associated not only with bad breath is not good, but also can greatly affect their confidence. With a healthy mouth free of gum disease and cavities, the quality of life can also be better. Because a person can eat well, sleep better, and concentrate without dental pain, or mouth infections that can distract.

2. Lower risk of heart disease

Chronic inflammation of gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke. The relationship between chronic inflammations of gum disease with heart disease has been proven by many studies. Many research results show that oral health can help protect your overall health.

3. Maintain memory

According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, and adults with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) showed poor results on tests of memory and other cognitive abilities than those with healthy gums and mouth. Gingivitis can show symptoms such as swelling of the gums and bleeding gums. People with gum disease are more likely to perform poorly on tests for memory and verbal skill tests commonly used in everyday life.

4. Reduce the risk of infection and inflammation in the body

Poor oral health has been associated with the development of infection in other parts of the body. The results have shown a link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Mechanism of destruction of connective tissue between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis are the same. Eat a balanced diet, check with your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure to brush your teeth 2 times a day and flossing once a day. Using mouthwash or antibacterial toothpaste can also help reduce the bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

5. Helps stabilize blood sugar for those who have diabetes

People with uncontrolled diabetes often have gum disease. Having diabetes can make a person less able to fight infections, including gum infection that can lead to serious gum disease. Some experts have found that, if you have diabetes, it is likely to develop gum problems more severe than in people without diabetes. Reduce the risk of gingivitis to protect the oral health can help control blood sugar levels for diabetics.

6. Maintain the health of babies for pregnant women

Women may experience increased gingivitis during pregnancy. Some studies show an association between gum disease and preterm birth and babies born with low weight. Not all studies have found a close relationship, but it never hurts to maintain oral health. If you are pregnant, then you should visit a dentist or dental gum disease specialist (periodontist) as part of prenatal care.