Maintaining oral hygiene has always been emphasized to prevent gum disease and other disorders such as cavities and generally bad breath. What you didn’t know, however, was that brushing your teeth twice a day is not just about your mouth but also your heart and reproductive health.
Here’s what you need to know and why you should be keener when brushing your teeth from here on out
Erectile dysfunction
Studies have shown that men who brush their teeth twice a day are less likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Brushing your teeth prevents gum disease, but what’s the connection between gum disease and erectile dysfunction?
Scientists believe erectile dysfunction and gum disease are linked because they’re both caused by the same type of inflammation in the blood vessels. This inflammation is triggered by a molecule that is prevalent in people suffering from gum disease and men who are impotent.
According to the Daily Mail, a study published by the University of Granada in Spain illustrated that 3 out of 5 men who had trouble in the bedroom, suffered from gum disease.
Erectile dysfunction and impotence may be the latest problem to appear in a long list of diseases and disorders linked to gum diseases such as seasonal illness and diabetes.
Experts recommend people brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between their teeth daily with floss or inter-dental brushes.
Health: The Underlying Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction
Heart Disease
Brushing your teeth can reduce your chances of suffering from a heart attack.
Poor oral hygiene (not brushing your teeth and flossing) causes the periodontal disease; an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth which grossly inflames the gums. This inflammation places a burden on the blood vessels which eventually leads to cardiovascular risk.
According to WebMD, research done in England (conducted on about 11,000 people) indicated that people who brushed their teeth less frequently had a 70% extra risk of heart disease. This was after other risk factors such as obesity, smoking and social class were adjusted.
People who reported poor oral hygiene also tested positive for bloodstream inflammatory markers such as fibrinogen and C-reactive protein.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is, therefore, necessary to reduce any risk of contracting heart disease or suffering from a heart attack.
Health: Symptoms Of Heart Attack In Men Vs Women
Diabetes
Proper oral hygiene may prevent you from contracting diabetes.
Increased inflammation may result in insulin resistance or what is referred to as pre-diabetes. According to Business Insider, not only is there a link between patients who suffer from diabetes contracting gum disease but also between patients who suffer from gum disease and other periodontal infections, contracting diabetes.
Controlling periodontal infections thus can reduce the chances of suffering from diabetes. If you are suffering from diabetes, here are some ways you can prevent gum disease.
Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing may also prevent seasonal illness and stroke.
For these reasons, we recommend taking your oral hygiene more seriously and brushing your teeth (and tongue) at least twice, daily for a healthy heart and better reproductive health.
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