Just like your eyes are so-called ‘the windows to your soul’, so your mouth is a window to the rest of your body. Poor oral health – bleeding gums, teeth that ache, and bad breath – can negatively impact how you feel, how your body functions, and can contribute to serious health issues.
Daily brushing and flossing and regularly scheduled visits to the dentist will go a long way to preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and removing unhealthy plaque and bacteria. As you will see, it will also contribute to your overall good health. Here are a few of the ways in which your oral health is related to your systemic, or general health.
Cardiovascular Disease
If your gums are laden with bacteria-filled plaque, they will become chronically irritated and inflamed, which leads to periodontal disease and other oral problems. This inflammation can also be associated with blood vessels throughout your body, contributing to cardiovascular disease.
This can lead to heart vessel blockages, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and hypertension. In addition, bacteria that make its way to the heart lining and can cause endocarditis which is a serious inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart.
Oral inflammation and disease is also associated with diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and can lead to complications in pregnancy. The inflammatory process associated with oral health problems does not occur independently of the rest of your body.
Scheduling regular visits to your dentist is the first step in improving and maintaining your oral health. Equally important is to make sure you practice good oral hygiene every day of the week. This means brushing your teeth and gums at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using a toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco is vital.
Healthy teeth are a key contributor to a healthy body and improved general health. Contact us today for a dental appointment so you can ensure your teeth and gums are well taken care of. We also offer a full range of cosmetic, restorative, and reconstructive dentistry.
