Think Twice about Brushing Off the Importance of Oral Health
Toothaches, pain around the gums, and bleeding in your mouth may seem like just isolated issues, but left unattended, these problems may lead to something much worse. In this month’s post, we highlight the relationship between oral care and your overall well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO), citing the Global Burden of Disease Study (2019), notes that oral diseases affect up to 3.5 billion people globally. Such oral diseases include “dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma, noma and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.”
When diseases like those named above are not addressed, greater problems may surface. For example, endocarditis, which is an “infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves,” often arises “when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart” (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Other issues such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and pregnancy and birth complications have also been traced to poor oral health care (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Diseases like those mentioned above are not the only issues to be concerned about when it comes to oral care and overall wellness. Some people may be self-conscious about their smiles. Something as simple as stains on one’s teeth due to not undergoing routine dental cleanings may lead people to not laugh aloud for fear of others noticing the stains. When such situations arise, people may feel social anxiety or can suffer from depression, leading to their general wellness deteriorating.
While the aforementioned health risks related to oral care shouldn’t be taken lightly, it’s not all doom and gloom. Practicing sound, everyday oral-care habits will allow you and your family to lead a healthy lifestyle.
What can you do? Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly (yes, everyday!), avoid tobacco use, don’t consume excessive amounts of sugar, and undergo professional dental cleanings twice each year.
Don’t brush off the critical connection between your oral health and your overall well-being! Get in touch with Dr. Palmer and her team at Oak Bark Dental to create a roadmap toward ensuring a healthier you.
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