If you get a cavity every now and then, you might not think much of it. A small filling is no big deal—or is it?
To feel your best, you need to take care of our oral health and all other parts of your body, and that includes your mouth. Otherwise, you may develop a serious health condition (or make an existing one worse). You can get a healthy smile with the dentist in West Point.
Your oral health is more connected to your overall health than you may think.
Here’s how:
Respiratory Illnesses
Most of the time, we breathe automatically. We inhale, we exhale, and we rarely stop to think about it. But for a moment, pause to consider where that air goes.
Air enters through your mouth. If you have an infected tooth, that bacteria can travel from your airways to your lungs. This may cause the infection to spread, and could lead to pneumonia or bronchitis.
Heart Disease
Did you know that inflamed gums are linked to cardiovascular issues? If your gums are swollen, it may cause other parts of your body to become inflamed, including your heart.
The owner of Fresh Dental writes, “Many of our patients are surprised to learn that gum disease impacts their heart health, too. But once they see the connection, they realize how important it is to maintain their oral health.”
Diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes, then it’s especially important to take care of your oral health. Diabetes makes you more susceptible to developing gum disease. On top of that, periodontal disease affects your blood sugar levels, which can make the symptoms of diabetes even worse.
Pregnancy
When you’re expecting, your body goes through a lot of changes. Did you know that your gum health might be impacted?
Higher levels of hormones, like progesterone, can make your gums more prone to bleeding and swelling. Your teeth may be more susceptible to plaque and, in turn, cavities. This may lead to gum disease, a condition that’s been linked to premature births.
How to Maintain Your Oral Health
You want to enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and a healthy body. That starts with excellent oral health care. But how do you do it?
The owner of the U of A dental office writes, “We give all of our patients the same advice: brush twice a day, use floss, and rinse with anti-bacterial mouthwash. This simple routine is the best way to fight cavities.”
We also recommend taking a closer look at your diet. How much sugar do you consume in a day? Are you getting enough of the nutrients your body needs to support strong, healthy teeth? Try to cut back on foods that are bad for your teeth.
Is it time to visit the dentist? You might be wondering: just how often should you have a dental cleaning, anyway? We suggest having your teeth cleaned twice a year. Your dentist can remove plaque, and identify any cavities or infections.
Early intervention is the key to preventing oral health complications. If you have extensive tooth decay or deal with certain health conditions, it may be wise to schedule appointments more frequently.
It’s time to get your teeth cleaned—not just for the sake of your smile, but for your overall wellness, too. Every part of your body is connected, from the tips of your toes to the hairs on your head. To support your comprehensive wellness, make sure to take care of your oral health.
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