The Link Between Oral Hygiene And Overall Wellness
If you think that the condition of your teeth and gums does not affect the well-being of your entire body, then you are mistaken. Your daily dental and oral care habits have a rather significant impact on your general wellness.
Overlooking the importance of proper oral hygiene can cause toothache, bad breath, and unpleasant smiles. In addition, poor oral hygiene is known to result in serious health risks.
Oral-Systemic Connection
Over the years, studies exploring the connection between oral health and overall wellness have consistently grown. The findings of these studies all point towards the same direction.
There is strong proof that leads professionals to conclude that oral health problems can cause systemic conditions such as:
- Heart disease: A greater chance of heart disease has been associated with gum disease. The bacteria from inflamed gums may enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation in your arteries and resulting in cardiovascular problems such as strokes and heart attacks.
- Bacterial pneumonia: Inhaling harmful bacteria from your mouth can cause lung infections, leading to pneumonia, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Diabetes complications: Diabetes impairs an individual’s ability to fight infections, making them more vulnerable to gum disease. On the other hand, gum disease may create a hazardous cycle, making it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Pregnancy complications: Preterm births and low birth weights have been linked to pregnant mothers’ poor dental health. Infections in the mouth can potentially increase inflammation throughout the body, affecting pregnancy outcomes.
These findings reinforce the need to prioritise oral hygiene to safeguard your overall wellness.
Lifestyle Factors That Put You at Risk
Lack of dental care habits. Brushing and flossing habitually helps prevent the onset of dental and oral health problems.
Too sweet for your good. High sugar consumption is still a huge problem. Harmful bacteria love to thrive in high-sugar environments. Try to limit your sugar intake by having a well-balanced diet.
Too much exposure to acid. Prolonged exposure to acidic foods and drinks damages your tooth enamel. When you consume these treats and refreshments, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Use of tobacco and consumption of alcohol. These habits significantly dry out your mouth, making your teeth and gums more vulnerable to bacterial and acid attacks.
Not visiting the dental clinic frequently enough. Regularly visiting your Northmead dentist is probably the most overlooked aspect of preventing dental and oral health problems. Dental care professionals recommend that you see your dentist every six months.
How Oral Hygiene Impacts Your Mental Health
Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t beneficial for physical health but positively affects mental well-being. Poor oral health can negatively impact self-esteem and social interactions, particularly issues like bad breath, tooth loss, or noticeable decay.
In some cases, individuals suffering from oral health problems may experience anxiety or embarrassment about their appearance, leading to social withdrawal. Conversely, having a clean, healthy mouth can boost your confidence, allowing you to engage more comfortably with others. Knowing that you’re taking care of your oral health can also contribute to a general sense of well-being and peace of mind.
Your Dentist’s Role in Maintaining Overall Wellness
While good at-home oral hygiene is critical, your dentist is vital to ensuring your overall wellness. During regular check-ups, your dentist can identify early warnings of oral health problems and treat them appropriately before they worsen.
Additionally, your dentist can offer personalised advice on improving your oral hygiene routine, suggest preventive treatments, and address specific concerns like sensitivity, gum problems, or dry mouth. By partnering with your dentist, you can reduce the risk of complications affecting your health beyond your mouth.
Oral Hygiene In Northmead
Healthy gums are essential for maintaining optimal overall health. Consult your trusted Northmead dentist for tips on achieving dental and oral health. We can provide top-notch dental and oral health care for you and your entire family.
My Local Dentists is committed to giving you the individualised care you and your family deserve.
Book online or call (02) 9630 9996.
Visit us at 19/5-7 Kleins Rd in Northmead.