Often overlooked, the state of our oral health extends its influence far beyond the confines of our teeth and gums, touching upon aspects of our well-being we might never have considered. Exploring the link between oral health and overall health is important, as it can help better understand our bodies and how certain factors can impact systemic conditions. Read on to find out how your dental hygiene affects your body and what steps you can take to improve it:
The Mouth-Body Connection
Your mouth is directly at the top of your gastrointestinal tract, connecting to your stomach. The bacteria in your mouth colonize the stomach or gut and can impact your immune system, increasing risk factors for disease. This means that any problems in your oral health can affect the rest of your body, even if the issues may not seem directly linked. By taking care of your dental health, you’re helping your overall body health, and the same is true the other way as well.
Oral Health Effects on Systemic Health
Cardiovascular Disease
Gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease because the infection in your gums could dislodge and travel into your blood vessels. This can cause them to become inflamed due to the presence of bacteria.
Diabetes
There are two main ways that diabetes affects your oral health. The first is that, as an autoimmune disease, it lowers your body’s general resistance to infection. This means those living with diabetes are generally more prone to infection, including gum disease. The second is that diabetics with gum disease may have difficulty controlling their blood sugar, making oral care important to general diabetes control.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy impacts overall health, and dental health is an important part of that. In early pregnancy, stomach acid from morning sickness may irritate your gums and erode your teeth. To avoid irritation, it’s best to use fluoridated mouthwash and wait 30 minutes before brushing and continuing your oral health routine. It’s also important to note that in the third trimester, hormonal changes may lead to pregnancy gingivitis without proper dental care.
Preventive Measures and Oral Hygiene Practices
Daily Oral Hygiene
The recommended daily dental care routine is to brush your teeth twice, once in the morning and at night, for two minutes each time. For this, you want to use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss once daily and use mouthwash afterwards to remove stubborn food particles. To ensure your toothbrush is doing its job, consider replacing it every three to four months, after you’ve been sick, or when the bristles become splayed or worn.
Regular Dental Check-ups
While taking care of your daily oral hygiene is important, there are things a dentist can catch at your regular check-up that you may not be able to see in a mirror or handle at home. These include the beginning signs of gum disease and cavities between your teeth. Getting a regular cleaning will also help control and prevent plaque and tartar build-up.
Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle plays a huge role in your overall well-being, including your oral health. Eating sugary foods and drinks can impact your gums; while excessive alcohol consumption can cause a dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Further, tobacco use can cause gum disease and increase your risk of oral cancer.
Final Recommendations
Understanding the mouth-body connection underscores the importance of maintaining oral hygiene, not just for the sake of your teeth and gums, but as a critical component of overall well-being. It’s about more than preventing cavities and gum disease; it’s about nurturing a foundation for a better life. At Yazdani Family Dentistry, we want to help you feel confident with your smile, and nurture both your oral and overall health. Contact us today to book an appointment and set yourself up on the path to improved dental hygiene.
