Everyone knows that brushing your teeth and looking after your gums is important, but did you know that oral health can play a big part in your overall health too?

Pneumonia is a disease in where parts of the lungs become infected and can fill with fluid. Pneumonia can be potentially life-threatening to vulnerable individuals in particular, but is a danger to the entire population. Certain bacteria from the mouth can be pulled into the lungs and this can contribute to infections.

Endocarditis is a condition that affects the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves, and usually occurs when harmful bacteria from a different part of the body (such as the mouth) spread through the bloodstream to the heart.

There are also other diseases that can occur directly due to poor oral health, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. To maintain a high level of oral hygiene, there are a few key things that we need to do:

• Brush teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes, and use a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss regularly, and if possible do so daily
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary foods and drinks
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups
• Avoid smoking, as this can double the risk of gum disease compared to a non-smoker.

For more tips on how to look after your oral health, click here.