Ever since we were little children, our parents reminded us (and perhaps forced us) to brush our teeth regularly. Most of us have carried that habit with us to adulthood, but do we honestly know why brushing is so important?

1. Health Benefits of Brushing Daily
Ever since we were little children, our parents reminded us (and perhaps forced us) to brush our teeth
regularly. Most of us have carried that habit with us to adulthood, but do we honestly know why
brushing is so important? See if you know all these reasons:
Keeps the Mouth Clean
Alright, this one is a bit obvious. Brushing is the best way to eliminate buildups of tartar
and plaque, which can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. Also, not brushing one’s teeth
is an excellent way to contract bad breath. Lastly, we often forget that the mouth is,
quite literally, a gaping portal into the body. Brushing your teeth can neutralize and kill
harmful bacteria that could potentially enter your body and make you sick.
Prevents Respiratory Diseases
Yes, you read that right. Brushing can actually help prevent diseases like pneumonia and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. How, you might ask? Well, periodontal disease is an infection that
occurs when bacteria from plaque gets in the teeth. Once the bacteria begin reproducing, some of it
can find its way down your windpipe and suddenly, you have a respiratory disease. Which, it’s worth
adding, can be fatal. So keep brushing those teeth!
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Have you ever tried to eat or drink something just after having brushed your teeth? Gross, right? Well,
your brain processes this fact and understands that brushing your teeth is a signal that food
consumption is over. If you get in the habit of brushing your teeth after every meal and before you go
to bed, you’ll find you are less inclined to go searching for snacks in between meal times.
Healthy Babies
Studies have shown that pregnant women with healthy teeth and gums also have
healthy babies. Who would have thought? So to avoid premature births and
unhealthy newborns, make sure to keep brushing throughout your pregnancy. If
you have questions about your dental health during your pregnancy, feel free to
make an appointment at a dentist in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

2. Better Sex Life
This might seem like a cause for incredulity, but it is also a proven benefit of brushing. Both British and
Israeli researchers have performed studies showing that a significant percentage of men with erectile
dysfunction also had gum disease. Once again, a buildup of bacteria in the mouth increases the chances
of it entering the body and then the bloodstream, which can contribute to erectile problems.
Additionally, gum disease and periodontal disease have also been linked to a lower sperm count.
Nobody likes having cavities or any of the other unpleasant consequences that come from poor oral
hygiene. However, hopefully this article has also shown you a couple of the lesser known benefits that
come from brushing your teeth.
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