Welcome back to another Dental Health Week blog. We want to cover an important topic: the mouth as the gateway to our overall health.
The state of our oral health isn’t just about your smile: it’s closely connected to your overall well-being and can even influence many chronic diseases. Here’s why taking care of your mouth is essential for your overall health:
The Mouth and Systemic Health
Our mouths are the entry point to our digestive & respiratory systems. Having poor oral health can lead to problems beyond just your teeth and gums.
Conditions like gum disease (periodontal disease) have been linked to several serious chronic health issues, including:
cardiovascular diseases: bacteria from gum disease can enter our bloodstream and contribute to inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart disease & stroke.
diabetes: gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, and diabetes can increase the risk of developing gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps manage both conditions.
respiratory infections: bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to respiratory infections and conditions like pneumonia (especially in individuals with weakened immune systems).
oral cancer: poor oral hygiene and the presence of HPC can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups help with early detection.
adverse pregnancy outcomes: gum disease has been linked to pre-term birth and low birth weight. It is crucial to maintain great oral hygiene during pregnancy.
Maintaining good oral health is not just about preventing decay and gum disease: it’s about protecting your whole body.
Preventive Care: Regular dental check-ups and cleans help your dental provider catch & address oral health issues early, preventing them from affecting your overall health.
Healthy Habits: Brushing and flossing daily, reducing sugary food and drink consumption, and quitting smoking contribute to better oral and systemic health.
Early Detection: Your Floss Dentist & Oral Health Therapists can sometimes detect early signs of chronic diseases through comprehensive oral examinations, offering early intervention and management of these conditions.
Tips for Better Oral Health
Brush Twice Daily
Floss Daily
Visit Your Floss Dentist Regularly
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Quit Smoking
Your mouth is more than just a part of your body that needs to be cleaned: it’s a direct gateway to the rest of your body, and overall health.
By maintaining good oral hygiene, you’re not just protecting your smile – you’re also playing a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases & supporting your overall wellness.
This Dental Health Week, make a commitment to take care of your oral health and, in turn, your whole body.
