The Links between Oral Hygiene and Overall Health

A widespread misbelief is that maintaining oral health simply means brushing your teeth once or twice a day, but the reality is quite different.

Oral health extends far beyond simply keeping your teeth clean. Gum, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all come into play, and these areas have to function well to keep everything operating properly. The human body is incredibly intricate, and the slightest misalignment can cause problems throughout every system. Today, we’ll be looking at what exactly oral health entails, and how the lack of it can cause effects previously thought unrelated.

What Oral Hygiene Really Is

Oral health means many different things in your life. Not only does it help aesthetics, and of course reduce tooth or gum pain, Of course, brushing goes a long way to keep your teeth clean, but a strong diet, dental checkups and even flossing can protect you from bacterial infection, cavities, and gum disease. However, while many people think oral health is important, the true seriousness of it isn’t discussed often. Our mouths don’t simply provide access for food and drink, but can also be an entryway for all kinds of bacteria. A healthy mouth prevents harmful things from entering the bloodstream and causing infections in other parts of the body.

On the flipside, however, an unhealthy oral environment has the opposite effect. Because of this, it can lead to lasting effects in a number of different places; from the liver to the heart, to the brain itself. While relatively simple, understanding the connections between our dental and oral care and our overall well-being can be very beneficial. Keeping your teeth and mouth clean won’t simply stave off cavities, but can also protect from a colossal number of pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neural harms. Let’s take a look at some of the correlations between oral care and systemic illnesses, and then discuss how to ward them off.

Oral Health and Systemic Health

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a shockingly common malady, with almost 50% of all US adults exhibiting some form of the ailment. However, the most concerning aspect is the correlation between all forms of gum disease and moderate to severe systemic conditions.

A study done last year actually found that there was a jarringly high correlation between gum and cardiovascular disease. Symptoms such as heart attacks and strokes saw significantly more prevalence when it came to those with periodontal disease. Scientists theorize that bacteria getting to the blood from the gums and esophagus is the main cause of the relation, but whatever the case, the relevance is too significant to ignore.

On top of this, a study involving mice who had been exposed to periodontal disease had shocking conclusions. They were significantly more likely to experience brain inflammation and degeneration, exhibiting symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. These statistics truly just go to show how influential our oral health can be on the rest of our bodies. Beyond that, gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, causing significant issues for those with diabetes. This can become serious, since diabetes itself can increase the risk of gum control, beginning a cycle harmful in many ways.

Why are oral health and bodily health linked?

A simple example of our mouth working as an entryway for bacterial infection is one more frequent than you may think: the common cold. Contracted through airborne particles, a cold is often contracted through our open airways, with one of those being our mouth! Of course, colds typically aren’t the gravest of infections, but they’re a good example of our body’s interconnectedness. If a simple outside cold can be contracted to our lungs, how about bacteria living in our mouths, as seen with gum disease? It can be easy to overlook the dangers of oral infection, but they are truly there and can raise a plethora of medical concerns.

Prevention and Management

With all this talk of dangerous illnesses and diseases coming from the lack of dental hygiene, let’s discuss how to prevent it in the first place. Dealing with periodontal disease may be difficult, but staving it off simply takes regular care and the watchful eye of a dentist.

Some good dental practices to keep in mind are ones you’ve probably heard before. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important activities to keep your teeth healthy. Fluoride, a mineral present in many toothpastes, helps build enamel and kill harmful bacteria, so it’s a good ingredient to look out for in your dental products. Cleaning between your teeth as well is crucial in preventing the build-up of harmful plaque, and is something that should be done on the regular.

Home care

The primary way to accomplish this, and the one most dentists recommend, is flossing. Floss alternatives, such as water flossers or interdental brushes, can also be effective. These alternatives can be particularly helpful for individuals who find traditional flossing challenging. Additionally, a well-balanced diet is one of the most critical pieces to a strong oral environment. Cutting back on sodas, artificially sweetened products and candies can make all the difference in your dental health.

Habits

Beyond daily practices, avoiding things like smoking could transform dental health. Smoking, vaping, and any tobacco products heavily increased risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. As such, avoiding these substances could cause a difference between night and day when it comes to tooth and gum hygiene. Finally, make sure to visit your dentist regularly. All the practices mentioned will heavily lower your risk of gum disease, it’s always beneficial to have a professional’s opinion and could offer more personalized advice.

Maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t just about keeping your teeth clean; it also has broader benefits. Aesthetically, good oral hygiene contributes to a brighter smile and fresher breath, boosting self-confidence and making for better social interactions. Pain prevention is another significant benefit. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups can prevent the development of cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues that cause discomfort and pain.

Conclusion

In the end, maintaining good oral hygiene is not just about having a strong smile; it’s about preserving overall health. From cardiovascular diseases to diabetes and mental health, the impact of oral care on our bodies is profound. By understanding these different connections and adopting preventive measures, we can significantly enhance our quality of life. So, brush and floss daily. On top of that, though, maintain a healthy diet, avoid harmful substances, and don’t forget those regular dental checkups.

Prioritizing your oral hygiene is an excellent way of taking charge of your health. Schedule your next dental checkup, invest in quality dental care products, and educate yourself about the importance of oral health. Your body will thank you!

Clarksville Family Dental is your home for tips and care for oral health. Schedule an appointment with us today!