- Poor oral health can lead to pain, discomfort, and infections.
- There is also a link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and stress-related disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Good oral hygiene is essential for overall wellbeing-, and can help prevent certain chronic illnesses.
- It’s essential to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, use mouthwash regularly, and floss daily.
Many people understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums but don’t realize how important oral health is to our overall well-being. It’s more than just a pretty smile or fresh breath; oral health can affect your entire body in positive and negative ways.
In most cases, poor oral health can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause pain, discomfort, and infections. If left untreated, these problems can spread beyond your mouth and affect other areas of your body. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to certain types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and more. Here’s a brief look at how oral health can impact your physical and mental health.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Physical Health
Our mouth isn’t an isolated part of our body; it’s connected to the rest in various ways. Poor dental hygiene has been linked to multiple chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, pneumonia, and cancer. This is because bacteria from our mouth can enter the bloodstream through cuts or wounds in the gums or tongue. From there, these bacteria can travel throughout the body.
Another dental problem that can lead to several physical health issues is tooth loss. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone deteriorates and can lead to long-term changes in your facial structure. Thankfully, modern dental technology has made it possible to replace missing teeth with permanent solutions. You can ask your dentists for target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”affordable teeth implants to maintain your facial structure and prevent further bone deterioration.
Oral Health & Mental Health
It may come as a surprise that your mental health is linked to your oral health. Recent studies have found a strong correlation between periodontal disease (gum disease) and stress-related disorders such as depression and anxiety. On top of this, poor oral hygiene has also been linked to sleep apnea which can cause fatigue during the day and insomnia at night due to difficulty breathing while asleep.
How To Take Care Of Your Oral Health
Good oral health isn’t just about having a great smile; it’s also about having healthy teeth and gums. Taking care of your oral health is an essential part of maintaining overall health, and there are many steps you can take to help ensure that your mouth stays healthy. Here are some tips to get you started:
Brush Twice a Day
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps reduce cavities by strengthening the enamel on your teeth. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes and use gentle circular motions to reach all angles of each tooth.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash helps to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, which can help with bad breath and prevent plaque build-up. Make sure to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to get the most benefits. This is especially important for children, who may not be able to brush their teeth as thoroughly as adults.
Floss Daily
In addition to brushing twice daily, you should also floss daily. Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque can cause gum disease if it accumulates over time, so flossing is essential for keeping your gums healthy and preventing periodontal disease.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
No matter how diligent you are with brushing and flossing, it’s still important to regularly visit your dentist at least once every six months. Visiting the dentist allows them to thoroughly check for any signs or symptoms of dental issues that you may not be able to detect on your own, like cavities or gum disease. This also allows them to professionally clean your teeth and advise on improving your oral hygiene habits even further.
The Bottom Line
Taking good care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about having fresh breath or achieving that perfect smile—it’s about protecting yourself from potentially serious health risks down the line. Good oral hygiene practices are essential for overall wellness since many chronic illnesses have been linked with poor dental hygiene habits. Fortunately, taking care of your teeth doesn’t require much time or effort—remember to brush twice daily for two minutes each time, along with flossing regularly, which should do the trick!
