A bright smile and fresh breath are often the signs of good oral hygiene. The significance of oral health is not limited to the mouth itself but goes beyond that and has a direct connection to the overall body health.
The expert dentists in Cranbourne believe that your mouth acts as a gateway to your body and your oral hygiene can have lasting effects on your overall body.
Sometimes your oral problems can make you prone to other health concerns as well such as heart disease, stroke, and more. Consequently, let us explore the connection between mouth health and overall health in this blog itself.
How Your Mouth Health Affect Your Overall Health?
Unlike what most people feel, poor oral health not only gives you yellow smiles and bad breath but can contribute to several health issues affecting your overall health. Let’s get to know some of the most critical of them.
Pneumonia
Having dental cavities increases your likelihood of developing pneumonia which is a lung infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
The bacteria in the mouth can make their way into the upper airway and the lungs which in turn makes you prone to developing pneumonia. Besides this, bacteria can also cause respiratory infections to stick in the lungs.
Pregnancy and birth complications
Women need to take extra care of their bodies when they are pregnant or about to conceive including their mouth. Poor oral health issues among pregnant women can make them prone to health issues like low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or fetal growth restriction.
In pregnancy, there’s always a risk of oral bacteria traveling to the bloodstream and causing harm to the fetus.
Endocarditis
People having heart disease or other heart-related health issues are likely to develop a condition known as endocarditis. Endocarditis refers to an inflammation of the lining of the heart valves.
This disease is often caused by a bacterial infection usually developed during dental procedures like tooth extractions. It can turn out to be fatal for people having heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease refers to the group of disorders that relate to your blood vessels and heart. People with poor oral health are prone to several forms of cardiovascular disease like clogged arteries or stroke.
Poor oral health can also cause coronary artery disease which in turn can lead to heart attack, and heart failure and can be the leading cause of death.
Diabetes
For those with diabetes, oral health issues present a unique challenge. Infections may cause insulin resistance, which disrupts blood sugar control. Conversely, good oral hygiene can help improve diabetes control.
Tips To Maintain Oral Health For Overall Well-Being
Maintaining good oral health is significant to have better overall health. Consequently, here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy:
Regular dental check-ups
Prioritise regular dental check-ups no matter how busy you are. By doing so, you enable the dentist to spot the dental issues early before they turn severe.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet goes a long way in maintaining your oral health. Make sure to avoid eating too much sugar as it can lead to dental cavities. Consider fruits and vegetables in your diet to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking not only tends to affect your lungs but also increases your risk of oral cancer and other diseases.
Keep yourself hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day can help you prevent bad breath and also keep your mouth clean.
Wrapping Up
Taking good care of your teeth and mouth not only ensures your good oral health but also spells great overall health. Get in touch with Berwick dental clinic to maintain your oral health and prevent yourself from other health issues.