If a person has good teeth than you might be able to say that this person is also healthy. Why?

For one thing, people who has good teeth, generally takes care of them. This means they brush and floss as they are supposed to do. These actions helps to rid the mouth of bacteria. If this bacteria is left in the mouth and on the gums and teeth for too long, it will begin to enter your bloodstream and thus cause problems throughout your body.

But doesn't our saliva help to rid our mouth of bacteria and even some viruses? Yes, it does. Our saliva can do this because it contains enzymes. These enyzmes is what breaks down the bacteria and viruses. Yet, the saliva and the enzymes can not remove all of this on their own. It needs our help through the action of brushing and flossing.

What happens if the mouth has too much bacteria? First, of all gum problems will begin. This may be in the form of tender gums or sensitivity to cold, heat or even eating. Yet, over time if this bacteria continues to grow the condition of the gums will become more severe and diseases of the gums like periodontitis will begin.

Doctors have found that gum diseases are more serious than one may first think they are, too. Many other conditions have been linked to gum diseases such as:

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

This includes clogged arteries, strokes, heart disease and bacterial endocarditis.

Doctors believes these develops in part due to bacteria that enters the bloodstream from the mouth and travels on into the arteries of the heart.

PREGNANCY AND PREMATURE BIRTH

Some researchers believe that some premature births have been caused because of a link between organisms (bacteria) found in the birth mother's mouth. These organisms travel through her blood throughout her body ending up in her placenta or in the amniotic fluid and thus causing the premature birth process.

Can treating this bacteria help stop this? These same researchers believe no, because by the time doctors realize that the bacteria is in the mouth it has all ready spread throughout her body.

DIABETES

To start with, diabetes can all ready cause gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and even oral infection all of its own. If you factor in poor oral health along with the disease then the person is even more likely to develop these conditions. If a person who is suffering from diabetes gets an infection of any kind (including those of the mouth) then he/she will also have more problems keeping their sugar levels controlled.

The mouth is also a window to your body. This means that by going to the dentist on a regular basis he/she may be able to spot some diseases before your regular doctor does. For example, HIV/Aids are known to show signs first in the mouth by the form of white spots on your gums and bone loss due to osteoporosis may first begin in your teeth before it shows up in any of your bones.

Since you may now realize just how important your overall health is by having good oral habits, do you actually know what steps you need to take?

First, you need to a good toothbrush. This would be one that is ideally soft to medium and fits well in your mouth. This toothbrush should also be replaced every three months or after a cold, flu, infection.

Next you need a good toothpaste. The flavor is up to you. But you definitely want one with fluoride in it. Should you buy one that also has teeth whitening capabilities? This is up to you. But watch about using a paste that contains baking soda or hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis because with time they may weaken your teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth (trouble with cold or hot beverages, tender gums especially after eating), you may want to consider buying a toothpaste that will help sensitive teeth.

You should also have some floss handy. Yes, you should floss daily, even if your gums bleed. Flossing helps to remove the bacteria and plaguue in between your teeth. It also helps to make your gums stronger.

You may also want to buy a prebrushing or after brushing rinse. These help to further remove plague and helps to kill bacteria (helping to make your breath even fresher).

Now that you have the tools what should you do?

You should brush and floss at least twice a day. If you can, it is even better to brush three times a day (after each meal).

You should also drink some fluoride water. This is the water from your faucet.

Finally, you should have your teeth cleaned and checked every six months by your dentist.

If you want even better dental health, you could also limit the amount of sweets you eat, limit the amount of soda you drink, eat more of those good foods (including vegetables) and limit or stop smoking (tobacco increases your risk of mouth cancer).

By simply brushing your teeth as you should, you may save yourself a lot of mouth pain further down the line, you may also keep yourself healthier in all ways.