Did you know that your dental health can also impact your overall health? Your teeth are not only a part of your smile but they also allow you to eat normally and talk. Without proper oral care, there are several health concerns that could arise. Proper oral care includes brushing the teeth at least twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash that has fluoride. You should also visit your dentist at least once every six months to keep track of any cavities that might develop and to get a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. All of these things will help ensure that you are not just taking care of your dental health, but that you have the proper preventive care as well.
Heart Disease
You might not think that your heart is related to your oral care. Yet, it’s true! If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, then there it could mean issues for your heart health in the future. In fact, the bacteria that is on your gums and teeth can actually enter the bloodstream. If it does, it can cause an infection that develops in the heart. The arteries could harden as well, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease is one of the top killers in the United States. Your dental health is connected with your overall heart health. With that said, this alone is an important reason to take care of your dental health.
Brain Health
A lack of oral care can lead to Dementia and other memory diseases. Instead of the bacteria from infections in the gums and on the teeth getting to your heart, it can reach your brain, killing your brain cells. These memory conditions often result from gingivitis in the mouth that could be eliminated with regular visits to a dentist. If you notice any signs of memory loss, it’s important to tell your dentist so that you can get the proper treatment and begin any kind of medications that can assist with retaining the memory you have left.
Respiratory Health
Because your dental health can impact your heart health, it can also impact the health of your respiratory system. If you have issues with congestion and have trouble breathing, then it could be a result of poor oral health. When bacteria set up on the teeth and in the gums, it’s easier to breathe in through the nose. The bacteria would then settle in the nasal passages, the sinuses and the other parts of the respiratory system. The lungs could also be impacted by the bacteria that is present. You could develop anything from COPD to pneumonia. If you experience any of these health conditions on a regular basis, then you might want to examine the healthcare that you give to your teeth.
Cancer
You’ve probably heard that some types of cancer are caused by smoking and other types of substances that are used in the mouth. However, cancer can also be caused by poor oral health. The bacteria in the mouth can spread through the body, causing oral cancer, kidney cancer, and blood cancers. It’s hard to diagnose these cancers because they usually don’t show any symptoms until the cancer has progressed. Most dentists will examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer when you go to your appointment. If there are signs seen, such as a bumpy surface on the edges of the tongue, then a biopsy could be ordered. This is also a great reason to no use any tobacco products as they can also lead to cancer, including mouth cancer.
Weak Immune System
Not taking care of your oral health will often lead to a weaker immune system. As you know a lot of germs and bacteria can get into your system through your mouth. Germs and bacteria can come from any number of things that you put into your mouth as well. You will be susceptible to more colds and viruses. It’s harder to fend off illnesses that you contract. Poor oral hygiene impacts your bloodstream, kidneys, heart and other areas of the body, which weakens each point that the bacteria come into contact with, leading to an easier chance of getting sick.
Your oral health should be one of the priorities that you focus on each day. Take good care of your teeth and your gums. While the teeth are important, the gums and other components of the mouth are as well. If one part of your oral health is off balance, then it can impact the rest of the body, all which can be prevented by brushing regularly and visiting the dentist for your dental care. The better dental health you have, the better your overall health will likely be in the long run.