Hand Washing Awareness And How It Relates To Your Oral Hygiene
December is a great time to learn more about washing your hands because it is Hand Washing Awareness month. Keeping your hands clean is important, not just for your overall health, but your oral health as well. Did you know that 80% of communicable diseases are transmitted by human hands? Knowing that and how many times we touch our face and mouth each day, you can begin to see how oral hygiene can be affected.
How Does Hand Washing Awareness Help To Fight Disease?
Washing your hands works to eliminate harmful bacteria and other dangerous pathogens from the skin. However, it needs to be done correctly. A quick rinse under the faucet is not enough. According the Centers For Disease Control, certain steps must be taken to wash hands correctly.
- Wet your hands with clean water and apply soap.
- Lather your hands with soap. Pay attention to the backs of the hands, in between fingers and even underneath the finger nails.
- Lather your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Then rinse your hands under clean running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.
Hand Washing Awareness And Your Mouth
There are 700 different species of bacteria that live in your mouth that can also affect your health and well being. Inside your mouth there are healthy bacteria that help keep your teeth clean. However, along with the healthy bacteria are bad bacteria known for causing cavities and gum disease. Together they create a film or dental plaque that can cause tooth decay. Reducing the amount of bacteria that leads to plaque is more than proper brushing, but begins with simple handwashing.
Unhealthy Diets Cause An Imbalance In Unhealthy Bacteria
The balance between good and bad bacteria in the mouth can be upset due to poor oral hygiene, poor diet and other factors such as not getting routine dental exams. If bad bacteria starts to take over in the mouth, the result can be bad breath, cavities, tooth decay and tooth loss. In fact, poor oral hygiene can affect the whole body. Inflamation from bacterial infections damages the tiny blood vessels in the mouthg. When this happens, bacteria and pathogens can enter the bloodstream.
Unhealthy bacteria from the mouth have been known to be linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and depression to name a few. As you can see, taking care of your oral health is important and following a regular hygiene routine that includes keeping your mouth and your hands clean will improve your appearance and overall well-being.
As Part Of Hand Washing Awareness Month, Call Us Today To Schedule An Exam And Cleaning
The Dental and Denture Care Center has been providing exceptional dental care since 1993 when Dr. Juan C. Fabrega opened his practice. Since then, he has built his practice to include a dedicated team of dental care professionals who are committed to improving the smiles of Spring Hill and Tampa Bay, Florida residents. Call us today at (352) 848-1050 to make an appointment or contact us on the web here.
