Have you ever thought about how your oral health affects the rest of your body? Or if it even does? Well, this article is going to cover this topic and how you can make sure your oral health is in fantastic shape. Keep reading!
Why should you care about oral health?
Unfortunately, the importance of oral health is often not stressed enough, and many people neglect it. For example, only 65% of adults from age 18 to 64 have visited the dentist in the last year. And 2 in 5 adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease. But the reality is that caring for your oral health is essential for overall well-being. Oral health affects not only your mouth but also your body and poor oral hygiene can lead to a multitude of problems.
How does your oral health affect your overall health?
Oral health doesn’t just affect your teeth and gums; it can also have far-reaching implications for your overall well-being. Several systemic conditions can be influenced by the state of your oral health.
Cardiovascular health
Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, a 2021 study found that periodontal disease was linked to higher rates of cardiovascular-disease-related mortality. And another study found that people with gum disease are 28% more likely to suffer a heart attack than people without.
Diabetes
Poor oral health can make diabetes, a disease that affects more than 38 million Americans, harder to manage. This is because poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease), which makes blood sugar rise, exacerbating diabetes complications or even increasing the risk of diabetes for people who don’t already have it.
Cancer
Poor oral health is also linked to an increased risk of cancer. In one study, researchers found a 24% increased risk in developing cancer among patients with severe gum disease compared to those without. In patients who had no teeth, which is a sign of severe periodontitis or past periodontal treatment, the risk was slightly higher at 28%. This association does not mean that gum disease causes cancer, but it was worrisome enough to point to a possible risk of cancer related to periodontal disease.
Chronic teeth pain
The effects of chronic orofacial pain, which are both physical and mental, are often underestimated by people. Oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and infections can lead to persistent discomfort that affects your daily life. This chronic pain can interfere with your ability to eat, sleep, and concentrate, significantly reducing your quality of life. And the constant discomfort can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle of pain and distress. If you are experiencing serious pain due to issues with your teeth or gums, contact your dentist!
How to maintain good oral health
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being and involves a combination of daily oral hygiene practices, dental check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Here’s how you can keep your teeth and gums in top condition.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals, helps remove plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush for at least two minutes each time.
Floss everyday
Flossing once a day is crucial for removing plaque and food debris from between teeth and places where your toothbrush may not reach effectively. Proper flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Visit your dentist twice a year
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for detecting and treating oral health issues early, before they become more serious and costly to address. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also provide personalized advice on oral hygiene and recommend treatments to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients for strong teeth and healthy gums. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay. Also, avoid tobacco use, which increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other health problems.
Visit Dr. Ruiz & Associates for a dentist in Burbank, CA
If you’re in the area and are looking for a dentist, come visit our dentist office in Burbank, CA, Dr. Ruiz & Associates.
Dr. Ruiz is a renowned dentist, educator, and researcher who is known as a pioneer in supra-gingival minimally invasive dentistry, or “above the gums dentistry.” This is a healthier form of dentistry that protects soft oral tissues and produces long-lasting, beautiful results. And all of our staff are trained in these techniques. Check out our Google reviews and schedule an appointment with us today!
