While many of us are keen about our fitness and well-being – sweating it out in the gym, eating our greens, and shielding our skin from that blazing sun – there’s a piece of the health puzzle we might be overlooking.
Our oral health! Beyond just flashing a dazzling smile while enjoying a weekend BBQ, our teeth and gums hold clues to our broader health landscape.
Consequently, let’s uncover the surprising ties between oral health and our overall wellness with insights from our dentist in Berwick in the article below.
The Mouth: A Window To Your Body
Our mouth isn’t just for scoffing down a meat pie; it’s a real gateway to what’s going on inside our bodies. Issues like gum disease, prolonged bad breath, or suddenly bleeding gums might be telling you more than just needing a dental visit. They could be early indicators of more extensive health issues as stated below.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Research has shown there might be a link between heart disease and conditions like periodontitis. Chronic inflammation of the gums can lead to inflamed arteries, a major risk for heart attacks. So, next time you’re scrubbing those gums, think of your ticker too.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes and gum disease often go hand in hand. Severe gum disease can make diabetes harder to control because infections can cause insulin resistance. Conversely, high blood sugar, typical in diabetics, can lead to gum infections. It’s a two-way street.
3. Respiratory Issues
Bad bacteria in the mouth can travel down and cause respiratory issues like pneumonia, especially in older folks. Regular dental check-ups and a top-notch oral routine can help keep those lungs in shipshape.
4. Pregnancy Complications
For the women out there, gum infections can increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight babies. Keeping a keen eye on oral health during pregnancy is as essential as those prenatal vitamins.
Oral Health Tips For Overall Wellness
Brush and Floss Daily: Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many of us give the old brush-n-floss a miss now and then, especially after a late night out or a BBQ with mates.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Don’t wait for the dental issues to pop up. Get those teeth checked out regularly by a trusted dentist in Berwick.
Balanced Diet: Lay off the lollies and soft drinks. Instead, munch on crunchy veggies, and whole grains, and throw in some dairy for good measure.
Ditch the Darts: Smoking is bad for your lungs and a nightmare for your gums.
Stay Hydrated: H2O helps rinse away bad bacteria, especially during those sizzling summer months.
Wrapping It Up
A little extra care towards our oral hygiene can go a long way in ensuring we’re fighting fit from head to toe. So, before you take that next bite of Tim Tam, remember: Your mouth is the starting line for your overall wellness journey. Keep it clean, keep it healthy, and you’ll be doing right by the rest of your body too.
Embark on your journey towards a beautiful and healthy smile by searching for “Woodleigh Waters Dental Surgery” “Dentist in Berwick” or “Berwick Dentist” on Google. Your teeth will certainly thank you for it!”