Why Is Good Dental Health So Important To Overall Good Health?

Taking proper care of your teeth, gums, and mouth is a worthwhile routine for excellent oral and overall health. As for your mouth, excellent oral hygiene and health ensure good oral functions like proper chewing and speech. It also gives you a fresher breath and helps you maintain a beautiful set of straight and bright pearly whites.

Besides keeping your mouth healthy and disease-free, good oral hygiene and health are also essential for achieving and maintaining good physical and emotional well-being. Keep reading to learn how dental health benefits your physical and overall well-being.

The connection between your oral and overall health

While your body has many different parts, all these parts connect in one way or another. An issue in your mouth can affect the rest of your body in various ways and vice versa.

Perhaps the main connection between your dental health and overall health is the transmission of bacteria from the mouth to other body organs.

Usually, your mouth contains billions of good and bad bacteria. Fortunately, your immune system and good oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing can help keep these bacteria under control and harmless.

However, when you don’t clean your mouth properly, it leads to a buildup of dangerous bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria release harmful acids that irritate your gums and erode teeth, causing gum disease and tooth decay.

Besides poor oral hygiene, certain medications, a sugary diet, smoking, and other factors can encourage bacteria overgrowth in the mouth, increasing your risk of developing oral problems.

If not treated promptly, these oral bacteria, especially those associated with periodontal or gum disease, can affect your overall health in various ways. Preventive dentistry in Shalimar, FL, is an excellent way to maintain a healthy mouth and body.

Health conditions linked to poor oral health

When you don’t care for your mouth well, you increase your risk of serious and life-threatening health problems like:

• Endocarditis: It refers to the infection in the inner lining of your heart chambers (endocardium). It often occurs when bacteria and germs from another body part spread through the bloodstream and attach to certain areas of the heart.
• Pneumonia: Certain bacteria can spread into your lungs, causing pneumonia, lung diseases, and other respiratory diseases.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Some sources suggest that oral infections can spread to the cardiovascular system through the bloodstream, leading to heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.
• Pregnancy and birth complications: Advanced gum disease or periodontitis linked to low birth weight and premature birth
• Diabetes: Some sources suggest certain oral bacteria can get into the digestive system, causing an increase in blood glucose levels. Diabetes also increases your risk of developing oral problems like gum disease and cavities.

Besides diabetes, health problems like HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis can increase the risk of oral problems like mucosal lesions, periodontal bone loss, gum disease, rheumatoid arthritis, tooth loss, and certain cancer.

Be sure to notify your dentist if you have these or other health conditions during your dental exams and treatments. Consult our dentist for preventive dentistry near you.

How to protect your oral and overall health

• Gently brush your teeth, gums, and tongue at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush. Replace your brush every 3 – 4 months.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste. Fluoride helps remineralize, strengthen, and protect your teeth from cavities.
• Avoid abrasive dental products like toothpaste. They can erode your teeth and irritate the gums, increasing your risk of infections.
• Floss daily.
• Use a mouthwash to remove food debris after meals or after cleaning your teeth.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Limit hard, sugary, and acidic foods and beverages.
• See a dentist near you for routine dental cleanings and check-ups.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you need more information about the connection between your oral and overall health? Or do you need preventive dentistry near you? Contact Complete Health Dentistry of the Emerald Coast.