Have you ever thought that brushing and flossing your teeth may improve your life? The media commercials all point out that fresh breath and whiter teeth are possible, but are there other benefits? According to several recent studies, improving your oral health can improve your defenses against diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight and even dementia.

In the past, several interesting theories existed attempting to explain a relationship between oral health and total body health. Since the time that the Dutch scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek looked at his own dental plaque under an early microscope in 1683, proof of bacteria in the mouth has been widely known. How that bacteria may affect other areas of the body has been debated.

One popular theory, called the focal infection theory, was proposed in the early 1900s. It was believed that microorganisms in the mouth caused several other problems away from the oral cavity, including gastric problems, brain abscesses and lung diseases. As this theory gained acceptance, teeth were extracted if there was even a small chance of infection present.

By the 1930s, there were a lot of questions being asked about the focal infection theory. There wasn't any scientific data to back the theory and there were several unhappy people without teeth who may have asked if there was a better method to treat oral infection.

Interestingly enough, in the 1980s studies began to be published which did link bacteria found in the mouth with conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke and lower pre-term birth weight.

By the year 2000, in the U.S. Surgeon General's report a clear link had been noted between oral disease and systemic diseases, like those previously listed, plus diabetes and bacterial pneumonia. In fact some of the most recent studies confirm low birth weight for mothers suffering with periodontal disease and a very recent study that correlates tooth loss to dementia.

Good oral health and oral hygiene is essential for better overall health. There are many ways to improve one's oral health, beginning with an adequate brushing method. (The toothbrush itself was invented by the Chinese in the 1600s, but it has come a long way.) One current message is to brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day for two minutes. Electric, sonic and even ultrasonic toothbrushes may help increase efficiency.

Brushing alone is not enough, however, as plaque and bacteria build up between teeth where the brush will not reach. Using dental floss to clean those areas is the most effective way to remove plaque. One can also use numerous other interdental cleaners to assist with these regions. Some examples would be small interproximal brushes if more space exists between teeth or a water spraying device to help flush out debris.
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