Does Oral Health Affect Your Overall Health?
May 31, 2021 1:18 pm
Did you know that your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body? Oral health is directly linked to overall health! Read on to learn more about how the two are connected and how to help your mouth and body stay in tip-top shape.
How Oral Health Can Affect Overall Health
When oral hygiene is neglected, bacteria can cause tooth decay, bad breath, and oral infections. Additionally, bad bacteria in the mouth can creep into the bloodstream and wreak havoc on other parts of the body. When bacteria gets into the bloodstream, it can spread infection and inflammation. With proper care, bacteria in the mouth won’t negatively affect your body.
Health Issues Linked to Bad Oral Health
Poor oral health can contribute to a wide range of health problems, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory issues
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
Maintain a Great Oral Hygiene Regimen
Keep up with your at-home oral hygiene! The American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry advise brushing your teeth at least twice a day. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and medium pressure. Brush in a circular motion for two minutes, making sure to brush all sides of your teeth. Depending on your preference, you can either floss before or after you brush your teeth. You should floss at least once a day to remove any trapped food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and under your gumline.
Attend Regular Dental Visits
In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, it’s also important to visit the dentist at least twice a year! At your biannual dental appointment, your dental team will thoroughly clean your teeth, remove any tartar buildup, and evaluate your oral cavity for abnormalities. If any dental issues are found, your dental team will help determine next steps to fix the dental problems as soon as possible to prevent infection from spreading to the rest of the body.
Ready for your next dental appointment? Please contact Gregory B. Garrett, DDS, to schedule a visit!