What is the Importance of Dental Care to Overall Body Health?
Dental care often may not make an appearance in the discussion of good health. Long overlooked, dental hygiene is seen as separate from maintaining optimum health. However, the health of your teeth and gums is a crucial component of your well-being as it goes far beyond just having a gleaming smile. Proper dental hygiene is intrinsically linked to the health of your entire body and here’s why dental care should be a non-negotiable part of your health regimen.
Connection to Overall Health
Your mouth is essentially the gateway to your body. Bacteria that accumulate in your mouth, if not managed through good dental hygiene can lead to oral infections such as gum disease. But the effects of poor dental care don’t stop at your mouth. These bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and wreak havoc in other parts of your body.
Cardiovascular Health
One of the most significant links between oral health and overall health is the connection to cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Bacteria from inflamed gums enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of arterial plaque. This can lead to the narrowing of the arteries, which in turn increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
Endocarditis is the inflammation of the lining of heart valves and it’s a bacterial infection caught through procedures like tooth extractions. Keeping the extraction site clean throughout healing is essential. Typically not affecting healthy hearts, being a heart patient can make you an easy victim and can even be fatal.
Simply put, keeping your gums healthy through conscious effort can help keep your heart healthy too.
Diabetes Management
For individuals with diabetes dental care becomes even more critical as gum disease and diabetes share a mutual relationship. Not brushing your teeth well can lead to higher sugar levels in mouth fluids. This can hurt gums in the long run, leading to gum disease. Infected gums can make it more difficult for people suffering from diabetes to control their blood sugar levels and in turn, it can exacerbate gum disease as well.
Proper dental care like getting a scale and clean can help prevent this vicious cycle.
Respiratory Conditions
Believe it or not, poor dental health can even affect your lungs. Inhalation of bacteria from infected teeth and gums can lead to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially in those with weakened immune systems. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can therefore play a role in keeping your respiratory system healthy.
Pregnancy Complications
For pregnant women oral health takes on an added level of importance. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Pregnant women are also more prone to gum infections due to hormonal changes. Maintaining good dental hygiene and getting regular check-ups during pregnancy can help mitigate these risks and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Prevention is Key
Dental care is more than just brushing your teeth twice a day. It involves regular dental check-ups, flossing and maintaining a balanced diet to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. By preventing oral health issues you’re also helping to prevent a range of other serious health conditions.
Remember what’s at stake the next time you consider skipping a dental appointment or brushing off flossing. A healthy smile isn’t just a sign of good oral hygiene, it’s a reflection of your well-being. Contact us at Wyndham Dental to schedule your next oral examination. Keep those pearly whites in top condition and your body will thank you for it!