It’s no surprise that a healthier smile can lead to an overall healthier patient. In fact, your oral health and immune system work hand-in-hand. Oral health is defined as a standard of health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system, which enables an individual to eat, speak and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment. Keeping a healthy oral profile requires joint efforts from the dentist and the patient. If oral hygiene is left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on your body. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, colds, gum disease, and cavities have all been linked to poor oral health. Read below for tips from the distinguished Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Moradzadeh, on ways to improve your oral health and overall health.
How is Your Overall Health Linked to Your Oral Health?
Most problems that arise from poor oral health are caused by bacteria. The mouth is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in because it is warm, moist, and houses lots of nutrients for bacteria to feed on. If you fail to brush or floss daily, food particles get left behind, causing bacteria to grow along your gumline. When bacteria begin to multiply rapidly, health complications usually arise. Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include tooth decay (cavities) and gum (periodontal) disease. When plaque builds around the teeth and gums, a whole host of problems can occur including the erosion of tooth enamel, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.
Because people with oral health issues have trouble chewing and swallowing, their bodies often lack the nutrients needed to maintain optimal health. Additionally, people who suffer from periodontitis can build up enough bacteria in the mouth that can then enter the rest of the body via the bloodstream. When bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can set off an immune response, which may set off a chain reaction that leads to other health complications. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Studies have shown the link between poor oral health and an increased risk for chronic health issues including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Oral Cancer
- Lung and Respiratory Infections
- Strokes
Quick Tips to Improve Your Oral Health
Having a strong and healthy immune system keeps the bacteria in your mouth and the rest of your body in check, minimizing the threat of adverse health effects. To keep your oral health and overall health in pristine condition, be sure to practice good oral hygiene habits at home.
These healthy habits include:
- Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet
- Avoiding excessive sugar
- Drinking water and refraining from extreme alcohol consumption
- Avoiding smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising 4-5 times a week
Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your oral health in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may lead to other health issues. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Moradzadeh please contact Crystal Dental Center at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com.
