How Oral Health Impacts Your Overall Well Being
Maintaining your oral health is crucial for your overall well being. Much like how the right fuel keeps a car running smoothly, good oral hygiene keeps your body in optimal condition. Poor dental practices can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease, which can have serious health repercussions. Here’s how oral health affects your body and tips to keep your 'machine' running smoothly.
The Connection Between Oral Health and General Health
Oral health significantly influences both physical and mental health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease, which are linked to chronic health issues known as non communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs, such as heart disease and diabetes, cannot be passed from person to person but develop from poor health regimes, lifestyle choices, or genetics.
While NCDs can be life threatening, eliminating risk factors like poor dental health can reduce related deaths by 40%. Factors contributing to poor dental health include:
- Diet high in sugar and acidic foods and drinks
- Insufficient fluoride intake from tap water
- Improper brushing and flossing
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Oral injuries from risky behaviours
- Stress and chronic health issues
Infrequent dental visits
Several serious health conditions are associated with poor dental health:
- Heart Disease: Gum disease increases the risk of cardiovascular issues as bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart.
- Lung Infections: Periodontal disease heightens the risk of lung infections, with harmful mouth bacteria potentially causing pneumonia.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This chronic inflammatory disorder can worsen with gum disease, creating a cycle of inflammation and bacterial infection.
- Diabetes: Diabetics often have periodontal disease, which can further increase blood sugar levels and lead to complications.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): CKD patients can develop severe gum disease, exacerbating systemic inflammation and worsening their condition.
Preventing Oral Health Problems
To safeguard your overall health through better oral hygiene, consider these tips:
- Brush and floss daily
- Maintain a balanced diet and reduce sugar intake
- Use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoride-rich water
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
Your body functions best when your oral health is well maintained. If you have concerns about your oral hygiene’s impact on your health, book a dental check up at Empire Dental Care in Bicton to address potential issues promptly.