Every person should strive to take better care of their oral and physical health. In and of itself, properly taking care of the mouth can be vital in preventing the development of a variety of related diseases. Good dental hygiene can keep people from developing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Supplementing these healthy decisions with proper dieting and exercise will only result in greater benefits in the long term.

Researchers recently discovered that having an unhealthy mouth, especially in people who already suffer from gum disease, can increase the chances of a stroke, a heart attack, and developing diabetes. These experts believe that the mouth is a way to look into what is going on with the rest of the patient’s body. Unhealthy saliva can serve as an early warning sign for different diseases.

Additionally, saliva can also help determine how the body defends against disease causing organisms early on in their development. Bacteria and viruses almost always develop in the oral region first before traveling through the rest of the body. Saliva acts as a primary defense, containing enzymes that can destroy the bacteria before it has a chance to grow too strong. It can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria, disrupting their metabolism and enzyme systems, ultimately weakening them to the point where the body’s other defenses can fight them off. Maintaining your physical health with dieting and proper exercise is where the other half of the equation comes in. A stronger body means having a stronger immune system, one that can protect you from a number of diseases.

Finally, if you do not brush or floss your teeth regularly enough, plaque can begin to line your gums. This creates an environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, rather than keeps it in check. Gingivitis is one of the most common gum infections that develop from poor dental hygiene habits. It can lead to more severe gum infections as well, resulting in periodontitis and trench mouth, which can grow so out of hand that they will require surgery to manage. Oral and physical health begins with you, so be sure to take care of your mouth.