3 Scary Things That Happen When You Don’t Brush Your Teeth

Have you been brushing off brushing your teeth lately? We hate to break it to you, but that’s not just guilt you’re feeling from practicing poor oral hygiene. It turns out that your oral health is linked to your overall health.

If you still think you can get away with skipping brushing twice a day, think again. These three very scary things can happen if you don’t brush up on your brushing duties!

You’ll Feel It In Your Bones

According to several studies cited by the National Institutes of Health, the health of your mouth can most certainly affect the health of your bones. Poor dental hygiene can lead to  periodontal disease, a chronic infection that has an effect on the gums and bones that support the teeth. In fact, too much bacteria in the mouth can cause the connective tissues that hold teeth in place to decay as well as weaken the body’s immune system. On top of that, osteoporosis, or bone loss, has also been linked to poor oral health. This condition causes bones to lose their density and become more likely to fracture. It also commonly affects the bones in the hip, spine, and wrist, but is able to affect any bone in the body, so think of taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth as an investment in your future overall health!

This May Make You Think About Brushing More

Consider your brain when making a greater effort to maintain your oral health. Studies have shown that  the bacteria that cause gum disease are also thought to affect brain health. This means that you have the ability to take preventative steps against dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive issues simply by taking better care of yourself. By investing in taking care of your mouth today, you can set your brain up for greater functionality in the future. So if you don’t want to bust your brain try brushing more!

And Here’s Something Heart-Stopping…

More bacteria, more problems. High levels of bacteria in your mouth create a party for pathogens linked to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. And when these pathogens party, they mean business. Arterial plaque can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, putting your heart health in danger. Don’t run the risk of a potentially heart-stopping problem and brush thoroughly to reduce the odds.

Want to ensure your oral health stays in tiptop shape? The best way is to check in with the professionals. At Olive Dental Group, we recommend scheduling a dentist visit twice a year, every six months.

Ready for your check up? To set up an appointment with Olive Dental Group, contact us today!