The University of California have uncovered a link between poor oral health and an increased risk for the development of dementia. The study involved around 5,500 elderly participants and followed them through an 18-year period. The results of the research asserted that participants who only brushed their teeth once a day had a 65 percent risk for developing dementia over individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day. Given that it does not really take that much effort for you to brush twice a day, and the gravity of the harms that would befall you if you missed out on that extra brushing per day, this study is extremely significant in preserving good health among the elderly.

Brushing your teeth twice a day helps in the maintenance and promotion of healthy gums. A number of studies have used the state of one’s gums as an indicator for a person’s risk of developing certain diseases including heart problems, diabetes, psoriasis, pancreatic cancer, stroke and even preterm delivery of pregnant women. Given the fact that dementia is progressive disease which affects older individuals, brushing your teeth now may mean an increased quality of life in the future. The most popular symptom of dementia is memory loss which leads to the immense loss of mental skills which impedes with the sufferer’s day-to-day activities.

Gum diseases are very common among Americans with majority of the entire population exhibiting some degree of gum infection. Gingivitis, characterized as the mild inflammation of the gums, is one of the more prevalent forms of gum diseases. Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen, red gums which are tender to touch and easily bleed with simple agitation such as when brushing your teeth. Gum diseases are caused by plaque formation which turns into hard tartar accumulations along the gum line. This tartar eats away at your gums, which leads to pockets that expose the roots of your teeth.

Ironically, for a condition that is very widespread, it does not take a lot in order for you to prevent the onset of gum diseases. Good dental hygiene is, and will always be, your best defense against gum diseases. On top of brushing at least twice a day, other simple ways that you could protect your gums is by flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. Flossing will ensure that all the food debris bathed in bacteria stuck in between your teeth is promptly removed. Of course, regular dental check-ups spaced every six months also help to address any existing gum condition.

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