Do you know good oral health is an important window to your overall health? You may think that the importance of oral health is primarily about preventing conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease; you’re not wrong, but you’re not looking at the bigger picture here. Taking good care of your teeth and gums contributes to your overall health and well-being. How? Let’s dive in..
Tooth decay and loss are directly related to poor diet and nutrition, often intensifying pre-existing health conditions. Your mouth is home to both good and bad bacteria, which leads to poor oral health. Poor oral health affects your physical health and may also impact your psychological, social, and financial well-being. Our overall mouth plays an important role in verbal and nonverbal communication. If we have visibly poor oral hygiene, it can affect our daily interactions at work and home, causing anxiety, low self-esteem, and avoidance of social appearance. The consequences of which make us feel even more anxious and depressed.
It is important to understand that good oral health is important for our teeth and gums and overall health. With this in mind, how can you ensure that you are healthy from head to toe?
The blog focuses on the relationship between oral health and overall health, as well as how good oral hygiene practices can decrease the risk of developing other health issues.
What are the components that contribute to poor oral health?
Taking care of your teeth and overall health is an investment in your future, and several factors contribute to poor oral health, including:
- A high sugary diet can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Lack of good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups
- Lack of fluoridation in some water supplies in the area
The impact of poor oral health on overall health
A person with severe oral health problems may also have other health issues. For example, if they have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, their bodies may not get the nutrition they require for optimal health. It can worsen pre-existing health conditions as well as cause malnutrition.
Besides affecting physical health, oral health issues and other orthodontic issues can negatively affect mental health, resulting in low self-esteem and social anxiety.
In addition, these effects on a person’s mental state can negatively impact their social development, leading to less participation in school, work, or social settings.
What are the Health Concerns Related to Oral Health?
Our teeth, tongue, and entire mouth play an important role in oral health. However, addressing the health area of concern can influence your overall health.
- Heart disease
Gum disease can cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the heart, which leads to:
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- Atherosclerosis
- The plaque thickens the inner wall of your arteries, causing blood flow to be reduced, eventually leading to heart attacks and strokes.
- Endocarditis
- Infected and inflamed endocardium can occur in the heart.
- Atherosclerosis
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease may occur if gingivitis bacteria enter the brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream.
- Respiratory infections
- A long period of exposure to infected teeth and gums could result in pneumonia and lung infections.
- Diabetic complications
- Having a periodontal disease can make it difficult for you to control your blood sugar and worsen your diabetes. Periodontal disease is common in people with diabetes; it is a vicious cycle.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Those with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for tooth loss due to gum disease.
Tips for maintaining good oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to your oral health and overall well-being.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is as simple as following these tips:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth and floss them once a day with dental floss.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water.
- Reduce your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
- Visit your dentist frequently for a check-up and cleaning.
Contact Alpha Dental for all your oral health concerns!
From a dentist’s perspective, good oral hygiene routine will do wonders for your teeth, mouth, and smile.
During an examination, your dentist will be able to evaluate your oral health, recommend treatments for existing conditions, and discuss any concerns you might have regarding your teeth or gums.
If you have any oral health concerns, make an appointment with Alpha Dental to keep your oral health on track. Don’t forget to book your next appointment with us!