Is it possible that the way you care for your teeth and gums could have an impact on your overall wellness? Your dentist in Midlothian says it certainly can. To simplify things, let’s take a look at how what happens in your mouth has an effect on the rest of your body, and we’ll also discuss ways you can prevent any adverse health issues by simply being more proactive in your oral care efforts!
It all Starts with Bacteria
When you do something as simple as brushing your teeth, the back-and-forward movement of the toothbrush helps to agitate and remove leftover particles that cling to the enamel, so they can be flushed from the mouth. While this may seem like it’s just a habitual routine, it’s actually integral in your overall health. That’s because if those food particles had been left undisturbed, they would have eventually attracted bacteria that are always looking for rotting food to feed on.
This spells bad news for your teeth because as bacteria feed, they release caustic fluids that eat away at the hard enamel that lay on the outside. Over time, the decay can become more acute and travel to the inner areas of the tooth as the bacteria make their way to the gums.
The Gums as the Bridge of Health
Your gums could be considered the bridge or barrier of health because the blood that permeates them will eventually circulate throughout the body. That means all the plaque and inflammation that has been caused by bacteria accumulation can also be transported throughout the body, which can lead to the following serious health problems:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Oral Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Complications with Diabetes
The most empowering fact to know, though, is you can prevent these problems from occurring by taking better care of your mouth, teeth and gums.
Preventive Measures for Better Total Health
As the old adage states, “The best way to treat a problem is to prevent it from happening.” With that in mind, let’s look at some ways to improve your oral health and fortify your total wellness.
Monitor Your Diet
By being more mindful of what you eat and drink, you can protect your oral and overall health. Therefore, the consumption of bacteria-attracting snack items like sodas, juices, desserts, candy, chips and other unhealthy foods and beverages, should be kept to a minimum.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
You should also be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day to prevent the growth of bacteria. As an added perk, this also ensures you’ll have fresh breath and an attractive smile.
Visit Your Dentist
By maintaining a six-month schedule for visiting your dentist for preventive care, you can rest assured that your oral and overall health will be better protected. That’s because you’ll receive a thorough cleaning and examination to identify and address any threats early so you can avoid the need for any major forms of restorative care.
So to shore-up your oral wellness and total fitness, contact your local dentist to schedule a preventive care visit today!
About the Author
Since graduating from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Jay Oza has been steadfast in his efforts to provide his patients with the most thorough and comprehensive care available. He places an emphasis on prevention at Marvel Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.