Oral health affects your life in often-overlooked ways. Your oral health can indicate your overall health, revealing indicators of infection or disease before other symptoms appear. Sadly, you may not realize this until you develop significant medical conditions. Therefore, it is vital to take preventive measures, such as scheduling regular dental checkups, to maintain excellent oral and overall health.
The Unexpected Links Between Oral Health and Overall Well-Being
You may be surprised to discover that good oral health services from places like Crossroads Dental Arts dental care have benefits beyond the mouth. Additionally, it enhances your general health, medical expenses, and quality of life. This is how:
A Healthier Heart
When discussing cardiovascular health, teeth, and gums are rarely mentioned, but they should be. Endocarditis, an illness of the inner lining of the heart’s chambers or valves, can be prevented by practicing excellent oral hygiene. According to research, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contaminate other parts of the body, resulting in inflammation that can contribute to heart disease and other complications.
People with gum infections are two to three times more likely to incur a stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular events.
Lowers Cancer Risk
Cancer is another condition associated with oral health. According to research conducted by Harvard Health Publishing, periodontitis, a form of gum disease, is associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. Periodontitis damages the tissue encircling the teeth, and the bacteria responsible for it can be harmful and cause you to get more information on what additional dental services you might need, like hybrid dentures. According to another research, people with poor oral health were more likely to contract an oral virus that can cause human papillomavirus, which can contribute to cancer.
Prevents Dementia
It is estimated that approximately 40 million individuals suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia worldwide. According to research published by Harvard Health Publishing, various bacteria growing in the mouth can migrate to the brain and destroy nerve cells. This can lead to a decline in memory and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduces Bad Breath
Nobody likes to have a bad odor. You can always chew gum or ingest mints to mask the odor, but practicing good oral hygiene is one of the best prevention methods. If you do not brush or floss after a meal, food particles become confined in your mouth and produce unpleasant odors.
Even when you’re not consuming, if you don’t brush or floss, a film of bacteria known as plaque will form on your teeth, causing unpleasant odors. This plaque also causes gum irritation, cavities, and inflammation.
Builds Self-Esteem
People are instantly drawn to your smile. Decay, tooth loss, or discoloration of the teeth can be devastating. In addition to the physical health advantages of preserving a healthy mouth through cosmetic dentistry, dental health influences our self-esteem and social interactions. You can boost your confidence and well-being by maintaining exceptional oral health.
Conclusion
As more research and studies reveal the connection between oral health and overall health; it is evident that caring for your teeth involves more than just having a beautiful smile and fresh breath. Poor oral health is associated with various health complications, whereas excellent oral health can improve mental and overall health, according to research. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, along with a healthy lifestyle and avoiding hazards such as excessive sugar consumption and smoking, can help maintain a healthy smile and body.
