Why Good Oral Health Is Important to Our General Wellbeing

We all know that regular brushing and flossing help us maintain a beautiful smile. Proper dental care keeps our teeth shiny and white and helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. But did you know that taking care of our pearly whites is also important to our overall health?

Periodontal disease has been linked to numerous other conditions. In some cases, it is caused by other conditions. In others, it causes or contributes to them. Conscientious oral care and regular dental checkups can help us detect some diseases and aid in preventing others.

Signs of Disease Found in the Mouth

Yearly oral exams are important tools in detecting problems with our teeth. But they can also uncover signs of problems elsewhere in the body. An attentive dentist can advise us of any abnormalities that may be cause for concern.

Dental x-rays can aid in detection of other health problems by showing evidence of bone loss. Bone loss in the part of the jaw that contains tooth sockets is often linked to heart disease. General bone loss in the oral area could also be an indicator of osteoporosis.

The gums may also hold clues to problems that affect the entire system. Diabetics, for instance, are particularly prone to periodontal disease. They are more likely than most people to have frequent oral infections. Signs of HIV may be found in the mouth as well, in the form of inflammation and lesions on the gums.

How Oral Health Problems Can Cause Other Diseases

Infections in the mouth can pose dangers beyond losing teeth. An infected tooth that is not treated can lead to an abscess, which is an infection at the root of the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can travel to any number of places. It could manifest as a boil on the gums or skin, but often it remains internal. If it does, it could travel to the heart or brain, or it could cause an infection of the bloodstream.

Periodontal disease can also contribute to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis or COPD. In some cases, it may cause blood clots, resulting in the potential for a heart attack or stroke. And pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of giving birth prematurely or having babies with low birth weight.

All too often, we put our oral health on the back burner in favor of more pressing concerns. But by getting regular dental checkups, we can reduce our risk for some health problems and make early detection of others possible. If you haven’t been to the dentist lately, consider making an appointment. It could do more than just brighten your smile.