Maintaining proper oral health practises is vital in achieving good overall health. Considering poor oral health can have a significant impact across many areas of the body, it is of paramount important that good oral health be maintained. The strong relationship between oral health and general health can’t be understated, and a positive step to achieving better overall health is to have regular dental examinations.
Poor oral health can impact on many areas of your everyday life, including your ability to eat comfortably, sleep without being restless, and get through a day of work pain free. In this article, we’ll examine the relationship between oral health and general health, and offer preventative solutions to these issues.
Our North Brisbane dental team can help you better understand the importance of maintaining good oral health and can provide tailored dental services to address any concerns you may have. If you are ready to book an appointment at Restore Dental & Prosthodontics, use our online booking portal, or give us a call on 07 3483 2000.
Protect your oral health
The relationship between poor oral health and various chronic diseases has been explored in great depth. Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes have all been found to be correlated to a lack of proper oral maintenance and hygiene. While the severity of these illnesses or ailments caused by poor oral hygiene differs between individuals, generalised preventative measures can provide a good foundation for improving overall oral health. Continue reading to explore some common diseases that can arise from poor oral health, as well as some fundamental preventative measures one can implement to address their oral health.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a potentially life-threatening heart infection. It occurs when bacteria or other germs from the body enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart, usually on the valves, and leads to heart failure. Bacteria can enter the body to cause Endocarditis in a variety of manners, however life-threatening bacteria can originate in the mouth as a result of poor oral health. Symptoms of endocarditis can include fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and swelling in the legs.
To help minimise the risk of Endocarditis originating from germs in the mouth, proper oral hygiene must be prioritised. While there is discussion around generalised ways to work towards proper oral health later in this article, it is advised that you implement an oral health schedule created and maintained by a dentist. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is key to improving oral health and reducing this risk.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a serious disease that inflames and damages gums, impacts the soft tissue around the teeth, and can result in a loss of the bone that supports your teeth. When left untreated, Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, and also puts the heart and lungs at risk of disease through transfer of germs from the mouth through the bloodstream.
While general infection of the mouth can often be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and participating in regular check-ups with a thorough dentist, treating Periodontitis is a more involved process that should be guided by a dentist. Treatment for Periodontitis includes cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to the surrounding bone. In advanced cases where symptoms are untreated for an extended period, there may be a need for specialist care.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by an infection of the lung and can lead to a host of impactful symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating, and fever. As explored above, lung infections can be caused by excessive mouth bacteria entering the bloodstream and travelling to the lungs. While Pneumonia is not exclusively caused by bacteria in the mouth, there is certainly a causative relationship between poor oral health and respiratory infections such as Pneumonia.
Research into oral health and general health has shown a significant link between good oral hygiene and a much lower risk of succumbing to diseases like pneumonia. Regular hygiene appointments go a long way to help establishing a healthy microbiome in the mouth and in turn better general health.
Generalised Methods of Protecting Oral Health
The benefits of maintaining proper oral hygiene extend beyond enjoying a pain free day-to-day life. Implementing effective oral health care practises into your life can have a significant on your overall well-being. While visiting your dentist regularly will allow you to treat oral health issues before they become insurmountable, there are also some simple to implement techniques that will put you in good stead for maintaining good oral health.
Brush your teeth twice daily
This should be a daily routine, done twice. Brush your teeth in the morning after eating breakfast and again at night after eating dinner to maximise the time your teeth are clean. The best toothpaste to aid oral health would be fluoride toothpaste, available at your local supermarket.
Cleaning in between the teeth
Like brushing your teeth, using dental floss or interdental brushes should be an essential task of your daily routine. These addition techniques will aid in the removal of plaque and food particles that remain in your mouth after brushing. Your dentist can advise you which one may work best for you.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks
By introducing healthier food into your diet, and replacing sugary drinks with water, you will create a better oral health environment that will assist in avoiding health issues that can arise as a result of poor bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria thrive on sugar. While diet is not the sole cause of poor oral health, reduced sugar in your diet in conjunction with proper oral maintenance will lead to improved oral health.
Get in touch with Restore Dental and Prosthodontics today!
Discover the impact that a thorough dental hygiene plan can have on your oral health and general health by booking an appointment at Restore Dental. Our friendly and knowledgeable dentists provide the full suite of dental services from general dentistry to veneers, to managing cosmetic dentistry. To book an appointment with Restore Dental & Prosthodontics, use our online booking portal, or get in touch with us online or call (07) 3483 2000.