Going to the dentist and having regular checkups combined with regular brushing does more than keep your teeth healthy and prevent gum disease. According to a recent NY Times article, poor dental hygiene has been associated with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and more. According to experts, bacteria can thrive in the mouth when it is not kept clean. Food particles not only affect the teeth but are a breeding ground for many unhealthy bacteria that can affect us in ways we cannot imagine. Nearly 50% of those 30 and younger have some type of periodontal disease that can be preventable. Check out the article from the NY Times. Why Oral Hygiene Is Crucial to Your Overall Health Gum disease has been associated with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia and more. Here’s what experts say you can do to manage the risk. By Hannah Seo April 6, 2023 The inside of your mouth is the perfect place for bacteria to thrive: It’s dark, it’s warm, it’s wet and the foods and drinks you consume provide nutrients for them to eat. But when the harmful bacteria build up around your teeth and gums, you’re at risk of developing periodontal (or gum) disease, experts say, which is an infection and inflammation in the gums and bone that surround your teeth. And such conditions in your mouth may influence the rest of your body, said Kimberly Bray, a professor of dental hygiene at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A growing yet limited body of research, for instance, has found that periodontal disease is associated with a range of health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections and dementia. Read more