By maintaining excellent oral health, you can extend the life of your natural teeth and greatly enhance your overall health. Poor dental care may affect your quality of life, making speaking, chewing, swallowing, or using other mouth functions difficult.
Like in other body parts, most bacteria in your mouth are not harmful. However, because your mouth serves as the gateway to both your digestive and respiratory systems, some of these germs have the potential to harm you.
Studies show that oral bacteria and inflammation contribute to severe gum disease and may result in diseases like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, reducing the body’s ability to fight illness and exacerbating oral health problems.
What is Oral Health?
The state of the mouth, teeth, and orofacial structures, which helps you to perform everyday activities like eating, breathing, and speaking, is defined as oral health. Psychosocial components such as self-assurance, well-being, and the ability to interact with others and perform work without experiencing pain, discomfort, or embarrassment are also included. From childhood to old age, oral health differs across the lifespan. Contact our dentist in Spruce Grove immediately if you notice any changes in your dental health to prevent serious dental problems from developing,
What is Overall Health?
Your overall health refers to your physical condition, which encompasses everything from the lack of illness to your fitness level. It also involves how you care for your body and how it grows, feels, and moves.
However, dental health is connected to physical health, so taking excellent care of and maintaining your teeth and gums is critical. It’s crucial to frequently check your overall physical health and see a doctor if you experience any changes.
Relationship Between Oral and Overall Health
Your mouth is contaminated with germs, just like the rest of your body. Your mouth is where your digestive and respiratory systems first contact you, and some germs there can make you sick. The bacteria can be controlled by the natural defences of our systems and good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Lack of adequate oral hygiene can allow the bacteria to build up to dangerous levels, leading to decay and gum disease. Certain drugs can decrease mucus production, which again increases bacterial growth.
Other Conditions Linked to Oral Health
1. Endocarditis
An infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves occurs when bacteria from your mouth enter your bloodstream and stick to particular areas of your heart.
2. Cardiovascular disease
According to some research, inflammation and diseases brought on by oral bacteria can result in heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
3. Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Premature delivery and low birth weight are likely to occur due to periodontitis.
4. Pneumonia
Your airways may become infected by some oral bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Other conditions due to poor oral health include diabetes, HIV/ AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis.
How to Protect Your Oral Health
To maintain good oral hygiene and to keep them in good shape, our dentist recommends the following:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Use a brush with soft bristles and clean your teeth gently.
- After brushing and flossing, rinse your teeth with mouthwash to remove any food particles that persist.
- Limit sugary food and consume a healthy diet.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Visit dental cleaning in Spruce Grove or regular checkups.
- Get a routine dental cleaning near you.
- Avoid smoking.
We have a team of experts who can help you keep your dental health in excellent shape. Proper treatment is essential as it can impact your overall health and develop major dental issues. Visit Blossom Family Dental and consult with our experts if you experience any changes in your oral health.
If you’re eager to arrange an appointment, don’t wait; contact us today!