Over the years, researchers have been discovering new reasons to take care of your teeth, gums, and mouth. And they go beyond being able to show a confident, beaming smile or eat your favorite food with ease. In fact, your oral and dental health plays a significant part in your overall wellness. Learn about how important oral care is as well as its connection to your general health below.
Manages Disease-Causing Oral Bacteria
Over 700 different strains of bacteria naturally reside in the mouth. Most of them are harmless and even beneficial in food digestion, as well as teeth and gum protection. Some species of bacteria, however, are considered harmful because of the number of oral diseases they can cause.
Two of the most common disease-causing bacteria are Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Pg is strongly associated with periodontitis—an inflammatory disease that may lead to tooth loss, while S. mutans serves as the main contributor to dental cavities. Several bacteria species can also cause harm to other areas of the body. Pg, for example, has been found to be linked to pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and other health issues.
With good oral care, the likelihood of such bacteria causing damage to the mouth and other parts of the body can be reduced. Simply brushing and flossing regularly, as well as having a healthy, balanced diet, will be enough to remove the food source of those harmful microorganisms.
Helps in Early Detection and Management of Health Issues
One’s oral health can be used as a basis for detecting early signs of systemic diseases. These are health issues that affect either several organs of the body or its entirety, usually producing mouth lesions or other oral problems as symptoms. Diabetes is a common example of a systemic disease.
Having regular dental checkups as a part of maintaining good oral health helps not only in detecting problems in the mouth and other organs of the body but also in treating them. For example, as people with diabetes have uncontrolled blood sugar levels, they’re more prone to gum disease, which can increase the risk of developing long-term health complications. If periodontal disease has been identified, a local dentist can help them with the treatment and initial management.
Other health conditions that can be detected through oral health also include poor nutrition and improper jaw alignment, both of which can be checked through dental exams. Meanwhile, routine saliva testing is used to measure environmental toxins in the body.
Your Partner in Oral and Dental Health
Dr. David C. Woodburn, D.D.S. believes that taking care of your smile also impacts your overall health positively. Let our local dentist handle all your dental and oral health concerns. Schedule an appointment at our dental clinic today.