Oral Health and Your Overall Wellbeing: The Surprising Connection

We have all sat through the childhood lectures about brushing and flossing to achieve a healthy smile. What if I were to tell you, your oral health is not just about preventing cavities? New research has begun to establish a powerful connection between oral health and the overall health of the body.

Beyond the Teeth: How Oral Health Impacts Your Body

There’s a bunch of tiny living things inside your mouth called bacteria. Most of them are good and some even help you arrange your stuff in order. But if you do not clean your teeth and use floss, bad bacteria will start to cause problems. These problems are often common issues like tooth decay and bad breath, but they can also cause a bigger issue called gum disease. 

An infection of the gums that are used to support your teeth, gum disease is more formally known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can severely affect the soft tissues in your mouth and even the bones that keep your teeth in place. In addition, gum disease does not limit itself to the mouth because it can affect other parts of the body as well.

Here's a closer look:

• Heart Health: In some intriguing ways, gum disease and heart disease have been connected. The present data show that bacteria in the mouth can reach the blood circulation and increase the inflammation of blood vessels leading to heart complications.
• Diabetes: On one hand, people suffering from diabetes are more prone to develop gum disease but, on the other hand, patients with gum disease find it complicated to manifest their blood sugar level which tends to evolve as a gentler cycle.
• Pregnancy: Available data claims Gum Disease of a pregnant mother is related to preterm birth which might result in the low birth weight of a baby.
• Other Conditions: The study relating to the association between various health conditions and oral health is still being conducted and many more ailments other than the dental carries or gum diseases can be somehow correlated.

Taking Charge of Your Oral Health

The good news is that it is in your power to keep a healthy mouth through simple daily habits:

• Brushing Twice a Day: Use fluoride toothpaste and brush gently but thoroughly for two minutes each time. Be careful to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
• Flossing Daily: Flossing sweeps the tight spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. It removes plaque and extra food particles that become bacteria and can cause gum disease.
• Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings and check-ups are invaluable. These can allow your dentist to stop problems in advance, provide specific advice and treatments, and keep your mouth healthy. (For those in the Frisco, TX area, SmileBreeze Dentistry is a local option!)
• Healthy Diet: Sugar is the enemy when it comes to the mouth because it fuels harmful bacteria. Therefore, try not to have sugary snacks or drinks. Try to have a balanced diet containing much food of plant origin, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Avoid Smoking: Apart from the numerous problems that smoking causes, it also considerably increases the danger of gum disease and oral cancer.

The Rewards of a Healthy Smile

It is vital to ensure that you are taking care of your oral health, as it can lead to numerous benefits. These include:

• Overall health – as previously discussed, the state of your mouth is connected to your overall health.
• Enhanced confidence – a winning smile will do wonders for you socially and work-wise.
• Easy eating and speaking – oral issues can become an impediment to these basic functions.

Your Oral Health Matters

Your oral health is a significant piece of the puzzle when it comes to your overall wellness. It's not merely about aesthetics; it's about protecting your body from potential harm and enjoying the many benefits of a healthy smile.

In other words, brush and floss, and go to your dentist! And if you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to bring them up with your dentist. They’ll be more than happy to help you get and then keep that healthy smile – and, more importantly, that healthy you.

At SmileBreeze Dentistry, we understand that your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. We are dedicated to providing the best Dentist in Frisco, TX that will keep your smile shining bright and support your complete health. Our experienced team provides preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services in our comfortable, warm office. Need a cleaning, help with gum disease, or the smile of your dreams? We’re on it. Because a healthy mouth is the beginning of a healthier you.