For some reason, a lot of people put oral care at the bottom of the list when it comes to healthcare. Many also don’t understand the extent to which our oral health can have an effect on other parts of our body and our general wellbeing. But our bodies work holistically, so bad oral health leads to poor overall health, just like bad overall health can be reflected in the state of our teeth. In this article, we’re going to explore the relationship between our wellbeing and oral health.
The Body/Oral Health Connection
As you may already know, the mouth is a perfect breeding ground for all sorts of different bacteria. For the most part, these bacteria are generally harmless and can be dealt with using nothing but regular brushing and flossing.
However, when oral hygiene is neglected, these bacteria can lead to various diseases like gingivitis and tooth decay. And when the bacteria produced by these conditions start entering your system, you have a whole other problem on your hands. If left untreated, these bacteria could lead to a variety of health issues. There are also conditions like diabetes, for instance, that make sufferers even more vulnerable to oral conditions, which makes the chance of infections even worse.
Conditions that Can be Triggered by Poor Oral Health
Infections like periodontitis have been shown to trigger inflammation throughout the body and lead to very serious disorders. For instance, evidence has shown that people suffering from the condition had higher chances of developing endocarditis, which is when the lining of the heart becomes infected. Gingivitis has also been linked to heart disease. In addition, pregnant women who have been suffering from oral health issues have been linked to premature birth and lower newborn weight.
The Aesthetic Aspect
Humans have evolved to scan for signs of fitness and health from a very young age. And as such, we place a lot of importance on teeth health and appearance. This is why treatments like porcelain veneers are so popular among public figures. They know how powerful the impact unhealthy looking teeth can have on the public’s perception.
If you’re feeling embarrassed about your teeth to the point that you are afraid to smile, then it will have a profound effect on all the social situations you’ll be involved in. So, if this is your case, then we definitely advise you consider working with a dental clinic that is familiar with cosmetic dentistry.
One example is Elite Dentistry of Simi Valley. What sets them apart is the personal approach and care they have for their clients and the state-of-the-art tools and technology they’re using. They’re one of the only clinics to offer all-on-4 dental implants which comprise of two sets of implants on the top and bottom instead of individual implants. This is an especially great option for people who suffered severe loss of teeth or want to regain their youthful smile.
Conclusion
As you can see, oral health should not be taken lightly and affects our bodies and state of mind in more ways than one. Make sure that you always make oral health a priority and work with a dental team that is truly dedicated to their patients and their wellbeing.