14 Dec How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

Today’s post is something different. We have a guest post about dental health. Functional medicine means we look at the whole body, and that includes your oral health. It’s important to treat the body as a whole and consider how every system affects every other system.

Understanding the Importance of Oral Hygiene

By Sam Olmsted, consultant for Southern Dental Care

Just as your mouth is not separate from your body, oral health should not be excluded from overall health. Every person’s mouth is teeming with both good and bad bacteria, and your ability to keep your teeth and gums as clean as possible could have a great impact on your general well-being.

Holistic Oral Health

By taking a holistic view of health and wellness, you will understand that every part of your body is connected. According to the World Health Organization, poor oral health can cause considerable pain by altering quality of life and leading to chronic conditions. Oral health can affect:

• Heart Disease – If left uncleaned, bacteria in your gums can enter your bloodstream and negatively affect the arteries in your heart. The bacteria may cause atherosclerosis, which is essentially the hardening of your arteries.

• Diabetes – Inflammation of gum tissue can make it more difficult to control your blood sugar, worsening diabetic symptoms. Gum diseases are more common in people with diabetes, and a lack of care could signal a worsening in overall health.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis – Those who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis are often afflicted with a reduced flow of saliva. Although this seems innocuous, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and more serious dental issues.

Keep Your Mouth & Body Healthy

You may be wondering, “How can I keep my mouth healthy?” There are a few simple steps you can take which will not only keep your teeth and gums healthy but lead to increased overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

1. Brush and Floss with Care – Chances are you have been told to brush your teeth twice a day since you were a child. Make sure you use proper brushing techniques to clean hard-to-reach places and avoid long-standing plaque buildup.

2. Visit the Dentist – Although a surprising number of people have underlying fears of visiting the dentist, it is one of the most important checkups you should get on a regular basis.

3. Live a Healthy Lifestyle – Living a healthy lifestyle can be difficult when we are tempted with so many products that can negatively affect our teeth. Though a small amount won’t hurt you, try to avoid sugar, nicotine, and highly acidic foods that can erode your teeth and gums.

It is important to view oral health in the greater context of general health. If you haven’t this year, visit your dentist and get your dental checkup.

If you are in need of a dentist, contact Southern Dental Care today. Our dental office is located at 7301 Westbank Expy in Marrero. We are happy to serve the Westbank and the entire greater New Orleans area. We specialize in all forms of dentistry, including dental implants. Contact us online today or give us a call at 504-347-1014 to make an appointment!

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Any thoughts on your oral health? Leave a comment below.

This article is for information purposes only. See disclaimer.