Do you remember your last visit to the dentist? Have you ever been to the dentist? Or do you only visit the dentist when you have a complaint such as toothache, halitosis, etc?
If any of the above questions is relatable, now is the time to put a dental visit on top of your healthcare needs.
The oral cavity (mouth) serves as a link to the various body systems (cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive and respiratory) that contribute to general health, yet the importance of our oral health is greatly overlooked and neglected by most of us.
The health of your teeth, gum, tongue and oral mucosa (tissues) play a significant role in the general well-being of an individual. Having good oral hygiene protects not only your teeth and provides you with fresh but other daily functions such as smiling, speaking, chewing and swallowing all benefit. Digestion and absorption of food nutrients begins in the mouth.
The relationship between the mouth and body is of great importance, therefore, having poor oral hygiene increases one’s risk to certain medical conditions. These conditions can also cause significant dental problems.
This post talks about the relation between oral and general health and measures to protect your health (oral and general).
How poor oral health affects general well-being
You may have noticed stains or deposits around your teeth which do not come off even though you brush twice a day without fail. The dental term for this condition is tartar or plaque, and contains bacteria. The presence of plaque or tartar is associated with the occasional bleeding on brushing, mouth odour and toothache. The continuous build-up of plaque and tartar causes severe bacterial infections such as Periodontitis (gum-disease), left untreated, the bacteria could spread to other parts of the body such as the heart causing infective endocarditis and lungs causing pneumonia. Poor oral health in pregnant women has been linked to low birth weights and premature births. In men, poor oral health can cause Erectile dysfunction. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has been linked to poor oral hygiene.
What is your oral health telling you about your general health
The oral cavity (mouth) gives early indications to what is happening systemically in our body. Conditions such as bleeding gums, recurrent infections, oral sores, tooth mobility and progressing gum disease could indicate an undiagnosed medical condition such as diabetes. Regularly visiting your dentist means these early signs occurring in the mouth can be picked up on examinations and referral to the appropriate medical team for further investigations and management. Screening for early signs of oral cancers are performed by your dentist during your dental appointments.
How to take care of your oral health
Maintaining good oral health is easy and important for a person’s general health. By practicing simple dental routines one can future-proof their general health. My previous blog post: Are you brushing your teeth right? details the steps that need to be adhered to in keeping a good oral hygiene. In addition to this, the steps below must be taken for optimum oral and general health.
- Have fruits, vegetables and nuts for snacks instead of sugary ones.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating
- Avoid acidic drinks such as coke which wears down tooth enamel.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use.
- Have regular and routine medical checks annually
It is important to check in with your dentist and not self-medicate when you notice any change in your oral habits such as bleeding during brushing or flossing, tooth sensitivity, oral (mouth) sores, any discharges (pus) and pain. With these simple steps, you can maintain a healthy oral environment for a healthy long life.