4 Facts That Prove Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

From a young age, we are told to brush and floss our teeth twice a day. “It will keep your teeth shiny and clean, and if you don’t do it, your teeth will fall out!” There’s nothing wrong with keeping the explanation quick and simple when it comes to kids. However, teaching your children the importance of oral hygiene and its effect on their overall health has to start sometime.

Good oral hygiene is connected to, and essential to, your body’s overall health. For example, good oral hygiene prevents infections, painful conditions, and some chronic illnesses. As you continue reading this blog, it may even be the first time you are hearing about certain studies. But hey, you learn something new every day!

Practicing healthy oral habits isn’t just about clean teeth – it’s about looking good and feeling better.

This first fact isn’t exactly a fact, but it’s true! Your teeth allow you to chew foods and communicate effectively with others. Poor oral hygiene leads to cavities, toothaches, and gum sensitivity, which can make eating and talking very painful. The simple routine of brushing and flossing allows you to continue your everyday activities painlessly and effectively. 

On another note, you can’t achieve that perfect smile without brushing, flossing, or practicing healthy oral habits. And furthermore, most people need the additional help of braces or another form of alignment correction before truly achieving their ideal smile. Either way, the point is that good oral hygiene leads to a great smile. And there’s something to be said about the confidence one gains when they are happy with their own smile. 

So brushing and flossing isn’t just about keeping those teeth clean and healthy, or just about being able to chew the foods you want to eat – it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and confident the next time you’re asked to smile for the camera. 

Saliva is one of your body’s main defenses against disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria and viruses.

Our bodies are made up of all sorts of defense mechanisms, and functions in a way to continuously fight against bacteria and viruses. Did you know that saliva is one of these defense mechanisms? Saliva is produced to serve as a protective coating for your teeth, but it also actively fights viruses and bacteria. Saliva contains special antibodies, enzymes, and proteins that protect your body from harmful pathogens.

Although your saliva is great at helping protect against invaders, it can’t do the job alone. More than 500 species of bacteria thrive in your mouth at any given time. These bacteria are constantly forming dental plaque, and the only way to get rid of the plaque is by brushing and flossing your teeth.

Failing to floss or brush your teeth regularly will allow plaque to build up and also make you more susceptible to disease-causing organisms. Therefore, good oral hygiene is essential in helping your body’s natural defense mechanisms and keep you in good health overall.

The oral cavity may serve as a source for early detection of other medical concerns. 

If you haven’t been convinced that there is a strong correlation between oral and overall health yet, the Academy of General Dentistry found that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms. Keeping up good oral health and hygiene can not only prevent infections and illness but make it easier to diagnose serious health conditions aside from those related to your mouth. 

In addition, many are not aware that saliva can be used to detect and measure medications, hormones, environmental toxins, and antibodies. In some cases, it might serve to replace invasive blood testing for the monitoring of chronic diseases. When testing for any type of condition or illness, ensure doctors can rule out poor oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

Regular dental checkups can also help you avoid rare oral conditions such as oral psoriasis.

Some evidence suggests that oral bacteria may be linked to heart disease, arterial blockages and stroke. 

According to various studies and a publication released by the American Dental Association, evidence suggests that oral bacteria may be linked to heart disease, arterial blockages, and stroke. In fact, one study at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times are likely to have a stroke! 

It’s important to note that heart disease, arterial blockages, and strokes are not a direct result of gum disease. These severe health conditions are more closely linked to the same bacteria that causes gingivitis (gum disease). That is why it’s so important to do what you can to reduce the presence of bacteria and other harmful organisms in your mouth.

Visit Us Today

We are open and excited to be seeing patients! Prioritize your family’s health, and book your or your child’s 2021 annual exam today. A visit to the dentist will not only keep your oral health on track but also your overall health. 

Our facilities have been sanitized from floor to ceiling. Additionally, we will continue to follow all ADA, CDC, and local health department guidelines. We understand the concerns you may have regarding COVID-19. We want you to know that we share those concerns and we’re committed to ensuring your safety in our offices. For more information on what to expect at your next appointment, visit our website at snodgrassking.com

Snodgrass-King Dental Associates has 5 locations across Middle Tennessee (Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Cool Springs). Contact us today to see if we can be a resource in you or your child’s healthy, dental lifestyle.

We offer a variety of services for both children and adults. We can also address any orthodontic needs for children, teens, and adults. If you have any questions, call us today at (615) 771-1111.