Though we may not realize it, our oral health is very closely linked to our general well-being. In fact, issues with your teeth and gums can be an indication of other related diseases like heart problems or cancer.
To ensure this doesn’t occur, it’s important to prioritize caring for your smile and oral cavity each day. Consistently brushing, drinking water, and staying in contact with your dentist in Millwoods can help with this. Trust us – your body will thank you.
Examining the Link Between Oral and General Health
Your mouth doubles as the entry point to internal parts of the body as well as the vantage point where dental professionals can identify various systematic conditions like diabetes, which often start to exhibit signs in the mouth as tissue lesions or gum infections.
Oral hygiene refers to the practice of keeping your teeth, gums, jawbones, tongue, and other surrounding structures free of decay, inflammation, and infection. Good hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing can help you reap the benefits of a beautiful, functional smile for years.
Conditions Linked to Oral Health
Research carried out at Harvard University has shown that individuals dealing with gum disease are also at risk of developing heart disease. This is because gum conditions heighten the body’s susceptibility to chronic inflammation, which, in turn, can cause damage to arteries.
Diabetes is another condition closely linked to oral hygiene. Poor dental health can exacerbate symptoms related to diabetes like high blood sugar, dry mouth, and inflammation, due to higher levels of harmful bacteria being present. Diabetes can also interfere with your body’s ability to heal following dental procedures. As a result, being vigilante and making note of anything amiss that arises and persists, like a bad taste in your mouth, lack of salvia, even swollen gums while brushing can help you avoid this.
Other conditions associated with poor dental hygiene include:
- Pneumonia
- Pregnancy complications
- Cancers
- Sepsis
- Low birth weight
- Endocarditis
For more information about this, please get in touch with our staff at Agape Dental Clinic. We work hard to help our patients achieve and maintain good dental health and lasting results.
Why Dental Hygiene is Important to Your Oral Health
Dental health is not the same as oral hygiene. While hygiene is the practice of keeping your smile clean, oral health refers to the complete maintenance of your oral and facial systems that work together to help you eat, communicate, laugh, and smile. Patients who have good dental hygiene are at a lower risk of developing cavities and gum disease. If such issues do arise and are left untreated, they can evolve into more advanced problems like decayed tooth roots, receding gums, bone loss, tooth loss, and widespread infection.
Excess bacteria on the surface of teeth or along the gum line play a large role in oral health problems. By caring for you smile every day, the number of bacteria and other debris in your mouth decreases. This also makes it easier for dentists to effectively treat issues that manifest, and your body will be able to recovery faster as well.
Preserving Your Oral Hygiene
Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to look after your oral hygiene daily and in the long term. This includes:
- Following an At-Home Regimen. This entails brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and using mouthwash. Toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride can help you avoid cavities. Don’t forget to scrub your tongue, cheeks, and the top and bottom of your mouth too!
- Healthy Diet. Eating a balanced diet, limiting sugar intake, and drinking plenty of water will keep your teeth and bones strong. Water always washes away debris with your saliva.
- Replace Your Toothbrush. A good rule of thumb is to switch out your toothbrush approximately every 3-4 months. Otherwise, you’ll be brushing with worn-out, flat bristles that won’t scrub your smile properly and clear away debris in those harder-to-reach crevasses.
- Avoid Tobacco. Tobacco products discolor your teeth and interfere with your body’s ability to heal following procedures like root canal therapy or tooth extractions.
- Attend Checkups. Dental checkups, which include a physical exam and x-rays, and cleanings with fluoride should be acquired biannually. This way, your dental team can remain on top of things before issues worsen. Additionally, you’ll be able to acquire personalized advice to keep your smile in good condition between appointments.
A healthy smile is a bright smile, which gives you the confidence you need – and deserve – to take on every new day. If you have any questions about oral hygiene care in Millwoods, please feel free to call Agape Dental.
Contact Us Today
It is never too late to start prioritizing your smile and oral health. If you’re searching for a reliable dental team who are knowledgeable and passionate about helping others, our local dental clinic is the place to be. We provide tailored oral hygiene care near you and will be at your side throughout your appointment to ensure you remain comfortable and feel prepared.
A lifetime of good general health and happiness starts with good oral hygiene. Call us today to find out more.
