Your Oral Health and Overall Health Mirror Each Other

Many studies have proven connections between oral health and overall health. But too few people understand the real importance of dental wellness when it comes to the rest of their body’s health. Learn more about this connection to ensure you enjoy smiles for many years to come.

How Your Oral Health and Overall Health Mirror Each Other

Your mouth contains many bacteria, too many to count. But most of these prove harmless, as long as you perform good daily oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Still, the health of your mouth affects your overall physical wellness.

Your oral health and overall health connect through these bacteria. When left uncontrolled, the invaders cause cavities, oral infections, gum disease and other problems. The bacteria also enter your bloodstream, traveling from your mouth to other parts of your body. Then infection takes a toll on your body’s health.

The inflammation caused by gum disease plays a role in some health conditions. At the same time, conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS make fighting oral infections difficult. Other oral problems come from medications like decongestants, painkillers, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics. These medications reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, also decreasing how well saliva neutralizes mouth bacteria.

Health Conditions Tied to Oral Health

As previously said, oral health has ties to overall wellness. Poor oral health contributes to health problems, such as:

• Endocarditis
• Heart disease
• Preterm birth and low birth weight
• Stroke

Health conditions affecting your oral wellness include diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and HIV/AIDS. Research also links eating disorders, head and neck cancers, Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis to your oral health.

If you suffer from any of these conditions, tell your dentist. At the same time, inform your medical doctor of oral diseases, such as advanced periodontal disease. Keeping your care providers informed helps you keep health problems and oral disease in check.

Protecting Your Oral Health and Whole-Body Wellness

To protect both your oral health and overall health, ensure you practice good daily oral hygiene. You also need to eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugars and between-meal snacks. Use fluoride toothpaste and a quality toothbrush which should be replaced when bristles fray. Stay away from tobacco products.

You and your dentist work together to ensure your best oral health. This collaboration helps your overall health. Visit Marketplace Dental Excellence twice each year for routine exams and professional teeth cleanings. During these visits, your dentist checks your mouth for signs of dental problems and oral disease.

Other services your Marketplace Dental Excellence dentist provides:

• General dentistry
• Preventive dental care
• Restorative dentistry
• Cosmetic dentist in Queen Creek AZ
• Dentures and dental implants
• Sedation dentistry

Help keep your whole body healthy by setting an appointment with Marketplace Dental Excellence today. Together, you and your dentist can ensure that your best oral health and overall health go hand-in-hand. Call 480.545.8700 to schedule a consultation for many years of healthy smiles ahead.