Since childhood, parents and dental professionals alike have reminded us why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene. Obviously, healthy teeth make us look more attractive, and restorative dental procedures can be relatively unpleasant. That said, a growing body of evidence suggests that our dental health may have even bigger implications that could affect our well-being down the road.
A Huge Impact
Studies have shown that our oral health is closely related to our overall health. Past research has shown that gum disease is often associated with heart disease and cancer; while other studies have shown that poor dental hygiene could make it more difficult for women to conceive.
Research even suggests that dental issues could make us more susceptible to cognitive problems as we age. Research conducted at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and College of Dentistry, Lexington indicates that there may be a link between dementia and tooth loss. To reach their assessment, researchers looked at 144 elderly women to see if their was a correlation between cognitive decline and oral health. Ultimately, they found that study participants who had fewer teeth were at a greater risk for developing dementia when compared to subjects who had more teeth.
Improving the Odds
While researchers don’t know for sure whether dental problems promote cognitive decline or if the opposite is true; it’s obvious there is reason to suspect that we can reduce the risk of long-term health problems by taking care of our teeth. This means practicing good oral hygiene at home and making regular checkups with an experienced West Nyack dentist, such as Dr. Dunayer.
A professional cleaning and checkup can prevent dental problems and keep your smile looking great. Don’t put your future at risk; protect yourself by taking your dental health seriously. Contact Our Rockland County Dental Office to make an appointment.
Related article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908403/
