The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Oral health and overall health go hand in hand. It is important that you visit your dentist on a regular basis – ideally once every six months – to ensure your teeth and gums are clean, healthy and free from any signs of decay or disease.

The Importance of Early Detection

Oral health complications can develop very quickly and may often be asymptomatic to begin with. It is only when you are in significant pain or you feel that a tooth has become loose or wobbly then you may realise the damage that has occurred. This can have an immediate effect on your overall health which is why you need to visit your dentist regularly to prevent issue, or immediately in the case of dental emergencies.

Your dentist will be able to detect any concerns early on and treat them quickly and effectively before they can have an impact on your overall health. They will also educate you on how oral health affects overall health.

How to Look After Your Oral Health and Overall Health

Good Hygiene

In addition to visiting your dentist regularly, it is important to maintain a good dental hygiene routine at home. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing after meals and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. Then, there are a number of lifestyle factors that can have an impact on both your oral health and overall health.

Healthy Eating

The food you eat has a huge impact on the health of your teeth. It is common knowledge that sugary foods and fizzy drinks are bad for your oral health and overall health. If you cannot avoid the occasional treat, it is important to stick to these in moderation and ensure you clean your teeth carefully afterwards.

Eating sweet, sticky, sugary treats and drinking fizzy drinks on a regular basis can damage the enamel of your teeth, cause excess bacteria in your mouth and result in tooth decay and gum disease. If you avoid the dentist, tooth decay and gum disease can progress quickly and eventually result in missing teeth. A poor diet also has a huge impact on your overall health and is the leading cause of obesity, diabetes and other systemic health concerns. It is important that you seek professional help if you have dietary concerns or are unable to control your diet.

Healthy Lifestyle

Poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking also have a significant negative impact on your oral health and overall health. Avoid excess smoking and drinking, or visit your dentist more frequently to rule out concerns if you aren’t managing to reduce these habits.

You can speak to your dentist or doctor about smoking cessation to avoid major health concerns such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and find out more about how oral health affects overall health to mitigate further risk where possible.

Serious Health Concerns Caused by Poor Oral Health

Cardiovascular Disease

Poor dental health can also be associated with cardiovascular issues. Patients suffering from gum disease are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and stroke. In some instances, studies have indicated that gum disease can triple the risk of a heart attack. Bacteria in the mouth and gums that causes gum disease and periodontal disease, namely P gingivalis, can cross into the bloodstream, enter the heart and directly infect and damage the cardiovascular system. This bacteria can also travel to blood vessels around the body and cause narrowing of the arteries.

Oral Cancer

Healthy teeth and gums are essential, as poor oral health can lead to systemic health issues, including an increased risk of mouth cancer. Patients with gum or periodontal disease are more likely to develop mouth cancer than those with good oral health. To prevent this, it’s crucial to maintain proper dental care and visit the dentist regularly. Annual mouth cancer screenings, which your dentist can provide upon request, are also important. Since mouth cancer can be fatal, taking steps to protect your dental health is vital to avoid this serious disease.

Early signs of gum disease include bleeding gums and bad breath. Although these may seem like common concerns, it is important that you do not ignore symptoms in the hopes they disappear on their own. When caught early, your dentist will be able to treat symptoms quickly and effectively, helping you to prioritise and improve both your oral health and overall health simultaneously.

Mental Well-Being Benefits of a Healthy Smile

The knock-on benefit of maintaining good oral health is a better looking smile, which has a surprisingly significant effect on your mental health – and therefore overall health too. Smiling happily and confidently helps enhance oxygen intake, stimulates your heart and other muscles, and decreases heart rate and blood pressure too.

Speak to your dentist today and find out more about the connection between good oral health and overall health to learn how you can prioritise your well-being while taking steps to prevent disease.