The Connection Between Your Oral Health and Overall Health

Most people understand the importance of their oral health. You need to take precautions and create a regimented oral health routine to make sure that you keep your teeth healthy from tooth decay, cavities and infections. Brushing twice a day is a good place to start, along with flossing daily and maintaining regular oral health check-ups.

However, did you know that your oral health goes beyond the health of your mouth? There is a direct connection between our oral health and overall health, which makes taking care of your mouth that much more important.

Research suggests that oral bacteria and inflammation associated with a severe gum disease (periodontitis) could play a role in certain diseases, such as:

• Endocarditis: An infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. It has the potential to happen when bacteria from your mouth spreads through your bloodstream and attaches to certain areas in your heart.
• Cardiovascular Disease: The connection is not fully understood but select research shows that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke could be linked to the inflammation and infections caused by bacteria from not maintaining your oral health.
• Pneumonia: There is a possibility that bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, if this happens you could fall ill with pneumonia or another respiratory sickness.

These are just a few examples of the direct link between your oral health and your overall health.

Another contributor to increased bacteria in the mouth, alongside poor oral care, is dry mouth. Some medications can cause dry mouth, resulting in less saliva production than usual. Our mouth creates saliva to help to kill bacteria, so this can be troublesome in the long term. If you suffer from dry mouth talk to our team at Woolwich Dental to learn about your treatment options.

When it comes to maintaining and improving your oral health, there are a variety of things you can implement at home to ensure your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy.

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to remove remaining bacteria left after brushing and flossing.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit food with added sugars as these will increase bacteria.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn.
• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco use.

To best take care of your oral health it is vitally important that you incorporate these tasks into your oral health routine. While your home routine is vital to your overall health plan, so are your regular dental visits. Contact us today at Woolwich Dental to set up your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!