As humans, we must ensure the wellness of our entire body. However, that can’t be done if we have poor oral health and let it stay that way. Fortunately, it’s easy to care for it, and one way to do so is by brushing and flossing daily. It’s also a must to visit the dentist regularly.
Doing so can easily help you dodge dental issues like tooth decay and bad breath. However, dental health isn't just about having a beautiful smile. In fact, various research has shown that there’s a strong link between our dental health and overall health. While neglected oral health can lead to various dental problems, it can also affect your entire body.
How Common is Dental Health Neglect?
Despite the importance of good dental health, many Americans neglect it. About one-third of Americans don’t practice basic oral hygiene, especially brushing their teeth twice daily. That’s according to the American Dental Association. Moreover, 26% of adults have left their cavities untreated. And to top it off, many Americans don’t make it a habit to visit the dentist.
Just like in the U.S., Australia also has cases of poor dental health. In fact, 22.9% of adults aged 15 years old and above have various issues with their dental health. And 4.4% of these adults are edentulous or lacking teeth.
Hence, many Australian adults consult with dentists, both for medical and cosmetic reasons, to have their teeth checked. For example, Melbourne cosmetic dentists Dental + Skin Clinic offers services to address both your skin and dental needs.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
Visiting the dentist for a check-up is something that you should turn into a habit. By doing so, you’ll be able to have a glimpse not only of the status of your dental health, but also of any other major issues about your body.
During a check-up, your dentist will examine your mouth for common diseases, like decay, gum disease, and more major oral health problems. You may also have to undergo X-rays, so your dentist can check for signs of cavities or issues hidden from the naked eye.
Early detection of dental problems is key to preventing serious dental problems and potentially even life-threatening illnesses.
The Link Between Dental Health and Overall Health
There’s no denying that your dental health is crucial to your well-being. Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Anything that enters it can affect you entirely.
While this may seem far-fetched, poor dental health can significantly impact the different systems in your body, such as your heart, lungs, and so much more. Hence, here are some ways poor dental health can impact you:
Heart Health
Harmful bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and can enter your bloodstream, which causes inflammation in the blood vessels. This happens if you have poor dental habits. Such inflammation can be dangerous, as it can lead to your developing atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis, or arteriosclerosis, is a heart condition that can be deadly if not addressed properly. Simply put, the arteries get hardened and narrowed due to plaque buildup. Unfortunately, patients with dental issues are at a much higher risk of developing this disease.
Respiratory Health
Poor dental health can also affect the respiratory system. And just like how it affects your heart, the bacteria that collected in the mouth can travel to the lungs, leading to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory problems.
Digestive Health
Digestion begins in the mouth, and bad oral health can lead to digestive problems. Food particles can remain in the mouth when teeth aren't cleaned well. Thus, this leads to bacterial growth and bad breath, and who wants that?
To add, gum disease can also lead to inflammation in the digestive system, causing digestive issues that can be uncomfortable to deal with.
Reproductive Health
Just because two things may not seem connected doesn’t mean they aren't. Studies have shown that poor oral health can also negatively affect your reproductive health.
For women, in particular, gum disease has shown to have a connection with a pregnant woman’s preterm birth and low birth weight in babies. For men, poor dental health can affect the sperm count, reducing it as well as its swimming ability.
Maintaining Good Dental Health
But just because you brush your teeth doesn’t mean you have good dental hygiene. It must be paired with a healthy lifestyle and a routine check-up.
Here are tips on how you can maintain the health of your teeth and gums:
Brush and floss regularly: The easiest habit you can develop is brushing your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. To remove food particles stuck between your teeth, make sure to floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet: You can’t take care of your teeth if all you eat is junk. Hence, consuming foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain and lean protein, can improve poor dental health.
Don't smoke or use tobacco products: Smoking is an enemy of your teeth, as tobacco use can stain them and contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.
Drink plenty of water: Nothing is healthier than staying hydrated. But aside from quenching our thirsts, water can also wash away bacteria and food particles stuck between your teeth. Doing so helps you lessen the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, it’s important to take care of our oral health. Good teeth not only make us look better physically, but it also makes us feel better, especially with our overall health. Hence, care for your teeth by practicing the tips above and visiting your dentist as often as possible. The last thing you want is to make minor dental issues develop into life-threatening illnesses.