What Is the Importance of Dental Care in Your General Health?
Oral health affects your life in ways people often don’t think about it. Your mouth can give you clues about your overall health, like if you have an infection or disease before you have any other signs. Unfortunately, you might not know this until you have serious health problems. So, taking precautions, like visiting the dentist regularly, is important to keep your mouth and overall health in good shape.
The Unexpected Links Between Oral Health and Overall Well-Being
You might be surprised to learn from this page that caring for your teeth is good for more than just your mouth. It also makes you healthier, saves money on health care, and improves your life. This is how:
A Healthier Heart
When discussing our heart health, we don’t usually think about our teeth and gums, but we should. Endocarditis is a condition of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. Taking care of your teeth makes you less likely to get it. Research shows that bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and infect other body parts. This can cause inflammation, leading to heart disease and other problems.
People with gum disease are twice or three times more viable to have a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events.
Lowers Cancer Risk
Oral health is also linked to cancer. Harvard Health Publishing did a research that found a link between periodontitis, a type of gum disease, and the growth of pancreatic cancer. The bacteria that cause periodontitis can be harmful and hurt the tissue around your teeth and cause you to consider what dentures offer. Another study found that people with bad oral health were more likely to get an oral virus that can cause human papillomavirus, which can lead to cancer.
Prevents Dementia
About 40 million people worldwide are thought to have Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Harvard Health Publishing has found that bacteria growing in the mouth can move to the brain and kill nerve cells. This can lead to memory loss and diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Reduces Bad Breath
No one likes to have bad breath. You can always chew gum or eat mints to cover up the smell, but one of the best ways to prevent it is to take care of your teeth. If you don’t brush or floss after you eat, food particles get stuck in your mouth and make smells.
If you don’t brush or floss, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth, even when you’re not eating. This makes your breath smell bad. This plaque also makes your gums sore and can cause cavities and swelling.
Builds Self-Esteem
People are instantly drawn to your smile. When teeth decay, fall out or change color, it can be very upsetting. A healthy mouth with the help of a cosmetic dental center in Pikesville benefits our physical health, how we feel about ourselves, and how we treat others. You can boost your confidence and overall health by taking care of your gums and teeth.
Conclusion
As more research and studies show the link between overall health and oral health, it becomes clear that taking care of your teeth is more than just having a nice smile and fresh breath. Research shows that bad oral health is linked to several health problems, while good oral health can help mental and overall health. Taking care of your teeth and going to the dentist often, along with living a healthy life and avoiding risks like too much sugar and smoking, can help keep your smile and body healthy.