Oral Health And Brain Connection: We often pay attention to the health of other parts of our body but consider the cleanliness of teeth and gums as limited only to smile and beauty. However, recent scientific research and studies have made a very shocking revelation. Experts believe that oral health is directly to the functioning of our brain and mental state. If you are ignoring your oral hygiene, you are unknowingly putting your brain at risk.
If the mouth is not cleaned properly, harmful bacteria start growing there. Research shows that these bacteria that cause gum infection can reach other parts of the body through the bloodstream. The most worrying thing is that these bacteria can cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain directly. Some research has found a direct link between poor oral health and memory loss and serious cognitive problems.
The persistent pain caused by tooth decay, swelling or infection in the gums is not limited to the mouth only. This unbearable pain badly affects your sleep. Due to lack of sleep and continuous physical pain, irritability, stress and anxiety start increasing in a person. This prolonged stress can eventually cause serious harm to mental health.
There is also a psychological aspect to oral health. Yellow teeth, broken teeth or bad breath deeply affect a person’s self-confidence. Such people start shying away from speaking, laughing or socializing in public. This social isolation gradually leads to loneliness which can become a major factor in depression.
The good thing is that it is very easy to avoid these serious problems. Both Ayurveda and modern medicine emphasize on certain basic habits.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day, especially before sleeping at night.
A large part of the bacteria accumulates on the tongue so use a tongue cleaner.
Reduce the consumption of sweet and sticky things as they act as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Consult a dentist at least once every 6 months.
It is essential to develop these habits in children since childhood so that in future they can remain healthy not only physically but also mentally.
