4 Reasons Why Oral Health is Important To Your Overall Health

Oral health is important for so many reasons, and it’s something that often gets overlooked. But trust us, taking care of your teeth and gums is crucial for your overall well-being.

First of all, good oral health can prevent a whole bunch of nasty problems like:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease, and 
• Bad breath

These issues affect your teeth and gums and can lead to more serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. 

Yikes! 

But it’s not just about avoiding problems. Good oral health can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. A bright, healthy smile can make a huge difference in how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. 

By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can reduce your risk for these conditions and keep your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

RELATED: WHAT CAUSES BAD BREATH EVEN AFTER BRUSHING?

How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

Maybe you’ve had a friend who had a nasty tooth infection. Or perhaps you’ve had a toothache that’s led to a brief (but manageable) headache. 

But  what happens when these isolated incidents can go overlooked? 

Your oral health can lead to more severe problems for the rest of your body if you neglect things like getting that root canal, having that tooth pulled, or even skipping your bi-annual teeth cleanings.

Don’t believe us? Here’s how oral health can affect overall health: 

1. According to a Harvard report, gum disease has been linked to heart disease. People with gum disease are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.
2. People with chronic oral infections are more likely to have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and pneumonia.
3. Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have a low birth weight baby.
4. Poor oral health can lead to poor nutrition. Pain and difficulty chewing from oral health problems can make it hard for some people to eat a healthy diet.
5. Oral health is linked to mental health. Several studies have shown “a relationship between poor oral health (e.g., chronic periodontitis, tooth erosion) and severe mental illness and eating disorders.”

As you can see, oral health and overall health are closely connected. Maintaining good oral hygiene can prevent a host of problems and improve your overall well-being. 

Your body— and your confidence— will thank you later. 

RELATED: THE BEST ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE FOR SELF-CARE ENTHUSIASTS

4 Reasons Why Oral Health is Important To Your Overall Health

Your oral hygiene, as you can see, plays a critical role in preventing health issues. 

Who would have thought all those health conditions could be avoided with a simple oral hygiene routine?

Here are 4 reasons why oral health is important to your overall health:

1. It can prevent serious health problems. As we discussed, studies have shown that bad oral health is linked to low birth pregnancies, depression, diabetes, and heart disease. 
2. It can save you money. Treating tooth decay and gum disease can be costly. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can save yourself from having to pay for expensive dental procedures down the road.
3. It can prevent bad breath. Nobody wants to be the person with bad breath, and good oral hygiene can help prevent it. Brushing and flossing regularly can help keep your breath fresh and clean.
4. It can boost your self-esteem. A healthy, bright smile can boost your confidence and make you feel good about yourself. Plus, it’s just plain nice to be able to chew and speak without discomfort or embarrassment.

RELATED: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO THE DENTIST WITHOUT INSURANCE?

What’s a Good Dental Hygiene Routine?

Dental hygiene is about taking care of your teeth and gums to keep them healthy.

Here are a few things you can do to maintain good dental hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. This helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth. 
• Floss daily. Flossing helps remove plaque and food debris that your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Mouthwash can help kill bacteria. 
• Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can check for any problems you may not be able to see or feel and can provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

RELATED: HOW TO FIND A GOOD DENTIST – 4 SIGNS YOU FOUND “THE ONE”

Conclusion

There are many more reasons why oral hygiene is important, but we think you get the message. 

Don’t neglect it. It’s a 2-5 minute habit that you only need to repeat twice daily. 

Isn’t it wild that simply adhering to a consistent 10-minute habit can save you time, energy, and pain?

So, brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your body and mind will thank you!

Did you forget to book your bi-annual teeth cleaning? Schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Lasry. If you’re in Los Angeles, California, give us a call at 310-734-7705.