Why Dental Health is Important for Overall Health?
You can’t see your teeth and they don’t make themselves. So it’s easy to forget about them and let dental health slide, even though poor dental hygiene can lead to a whole host of other problems. But the opposite is also true: A healthy mouth contributes to overall good health because of how it affects the rest of the body. Here are six ways that a healthy mouth benefits your entire system.
1. Avoid infections.
The mouth is full of bacteria, some of which are good and some of which are bad. When you don’t brush or floss regularly, the bad bacteria can start to take over, leading to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause them to pull away from the teeth (called gingivitis) or even lead to bone loss (called periodontitis). Either way, it’s not something you want. Not only is it painful, but it can also increase your risk for other conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
2. Save your smile.
Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. It can cause cavities or holes in your teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause them to pull away from the teeth (called gingivitis) or even lead to bone loss (called periodontitis). Either way, it’s not something you want. Not only is it painful, but it can also increase your risk for other conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
3. Prevent bad breath.
It’s not just about how your teeth look and feel; it also has a lot to do with your immune system, heart, and lungs. That’s because the mouth is home to millions of bacteria that can cause infections in other parts of the body. If you have gum disease or don’t regularly brush your teeth, you might be more likely to get sick or develop certain diseases like diabetes and cancer. But there are many ways to prevent bad breath (bacteria growth on the tongue) as well as tooth decay (cavities). Brushing after meals helps remove food particles from between teeth where they can start rotting away at enamel if left alone too long. Regularly visiting a dentist for cleanings and check-ups is also important. The dentist can remove any tartar buildup (hardened plaque) that has formed on teeth, which can eventually lead to gum disease if not removed. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables helps keep teeth strong and healthy.
4. Guard against heart disease.
Did you know that dental health is important for overall health? Many experts believe that oral health is a window into our general health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease.
One reason why poor oral hygiene can lead to heart disease is that the bacteria in our mouths can travel to other parts of our bodies. When these bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can attach themselves to the walls of blood vessels and cause inflammation. This inflammation can weaken the blood vessels and make them more susceptible to damage. When this happens, it sets the stage for heart disease.
In addition, people with poor oral hygiene are more likely to have high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. These substances also contribute to the development of heart disease.
5. Manage diabetes.
Many people believe that dental health is just about brushing and flossing, but the truth is that it also includes a healthy diet. Eating right can not only reduce tooth decay, but it can also help you manage diabetes. Some studies have shown that when someone with diabetes starts eating healthier they can lower their blood sugar levels by up to 25%. This means better energy levels and even less risk of other serious health problems like heart disease or cancer. So no matter how old you are or what your condition might be–diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure–it’s important for everyone to make sure they’re taking care of their teeth because poor oral hygiene can lead to many more serious illnesses down the line.
6. Protect your pregnancy.
It is very important to take good care of your teeth because it will not only make you feel better but can also help with the health of a pregnant woman. If a pregnant woman has dental problems, she could have an increased risk for complications during pregnancy and childbirth. A study published in JAMA stated that “women who had tooth decay or gum disease were about twice as likely to have preterm births.” The presence of plaque on the teeth also leads to inflammation which can lead to premature labor or preeclampsia in pregnancy. Gum disease may also increase the likelihood that babies are born prematurely or at low birth weight. Pregnant women should see their dentist regularly so they can get any issues corrected before there are any potential risks for themselves or their baby. Good dental hygiene is very important for overall health, so make sure to take care of your teeth!
Elite Smile Dental is your one-stop-shop for all your dental needs. From preventative care to cosmetic procedures, we’ll help you get and keep a healthy mouth. And a healthy mouth contributes to overall good health! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
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