Your oral health and general health are closely related. All parts of the body work together, and that includes the oral cavity and teeth. Bad breath or cavities affect not only your mouth but other parts of your physical system. In fact, your mouth can serve as a tool to help diagnose other illnesses that are unrelated to dental issues. A healthy smile requires more than just brushing your teeth; it also involves flossing, eating a balanced diet, using mouthwash, and going to regular appointments at your trusted Stittsville dental clinic.
How Does Your Oral Health Influence Your Overall Health?
Your mouth contains bacteria. Bacteria are not necessarily harmful. Some are for fighting diseases and other ailments. The harmful bacteria show up as plaque which results from sugars and carbohydrates. If that plaque is not removed by brushing and regular dental visits, the plaque will continue to feed bacteria and lead to tooth decay.
Your Oral Health and Your Overall Health
When you visit your primary care physician, you will notice that they also check your mouth. That is because it can be an indicator of other health issues. Here are some:
- Heart disease can be created by bacteria entering the mouth and making their way into the heart, leading to cardiovascular problems.
- Inflamed arteries caused by bacteria cause stroke.
- Pulmonary issues are closely aligned to the bacteria in your mouth that are inhaled constantly. This can cause some breathing issues or worsen others, like pneumonia or COPD.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, so, logically, it can be affected by bacteria in the system.
Other health concerns and their influence on your oral health
Pregnant women often experience more difficulty with oral issues, probably resulting from increased hormones.
People with diabetes should be aware that they are more prone to periodontal disease.
An Unhealthy Smile Can Cost You a Lot.
Good oral health is the answer to all of this. Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day will help reduce the accumulated plaque. Flossing allows you to reach those bits of food in hard-to-reach areas. It also helps strengthen the gums and other tissues around the teeth.
Schedule an appointment at our Stittsville dental clinic.
People often underestimate the importance of oral health. Your mouth is one of the most critical parts of your body, and taking care of it is essential to your overall health. We would love to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Schedule a cleaning for every six months. Our dentist and dental hygienist will help keep your mouth in good shape and catch minor issues before they grow. Contact Mulkins Main Dental today!