Maintaining your oral hygiene is of utmost importance than you might perceive. It can affect your general health and is essential to maintain well-being at every phase of life.
A healthy mouth provides nourishment to body and also endorses self-esteem and feeling of well-being.
Oral cavity is rich in bacteria and like other parts of the body, it teams up with bacteria and can cause disease risk.
Your mouth is a window to overall heath which serves as a helpful vantage point for detecting early signs and symptoms of systemic disease.
Condition of oral hygiene has an impact on overall health. Bacteria from the oral cavity can cause infection in other body parts, when the immune system has been compromised due to diseases or medical treatments (e.g., infective endocarditis).
How Oral Health Affects Overall Health
The role oral health play in some systemic diseases: – Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, pneumonia, cancer etc. Diabetes and oral hygiene as we all know about delayed healing in diabetic patients hence, they are at higher risk to develop periodontal problems namely loose teeth, swollen/bleeding gums, difficulty in munching and even tooth loss.
Cardiovascular diseases and oral hygiene – as stated by some researchers, some diseases stroke, arterial blockage, etc. are related to inflammation and infection caused by bacterial present in the oral cavity.
Osteoporosis and oral hygiene – drugs used for treatment can be a threat for jawbones. Bad oral health can also cause small pain and suffering which affect day to day functions like speaking, eating, swallowing and chewing which in turn may lead to nutritional deficiencies which may be the cause of many diseases.
How can you protect oral health?
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid tobacco use.
Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
