Analyzing the Importance of Oral Health on Overall Health
When most people think about good oral hygiene, they usually think about brushing their teeth and making an occasional trip to the dentist for a check-up. In truth, good oral hygiene is a lot more than that, and it can also have an effect on your overall health and well-being.
Let’s take a look at why oral hygiene is so important for the rest of your body, as well as some tips for excellent oral health.
Why is oral health important?
Oral health is mainly concerned with the teeth and gums, so naturally, if you want your mouth to be disease-free, you need to practice good oral hygiene. The mouth is home to a lot of bacteria, some good and some bad. This bacteria, especially when mixed with sugars and starchy food, can cause tooth decay, cavities and damage to your tooth enamel.
There are other problems that can occur in the mouth, such as gum disease and a range of other conditions. We won’t list them all here, but the key point is, proper dental hygiene is the only way to ensure your mouth stays disease-free.
But what about the rest of your body?
Oral health and overall health
It should come as no surprise that the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. Obviously, not all human ailments come from the mouth. But as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory systems, it’s pretty easy for germs to make their way into your body. The problems occur when harmful bacteria make their way into other parts of your body. In fact, there has even been research to suggest that poor oral health can lead to a number of health conditions, such as heart and lung disease, strokes and more.
In addition, many oral health problems are a result of poor diet or nutrition. So, while that is essentially a case of poor overall health affecting oral health, it’s important to recognise the connection. Ideally, maintaining a good nutritious diet is a great way to protect yourself from illnesses.
Social issues
Another point that shouldn’t be lost is the fact that many people experience social issues if they have poor oral health. For example, people with crooked or misaligned teeth may feel nervous or anxious in social situations because they don’t like to smile. This can lead to people avoiding social interactions and, as a result, being put at risk of other mental health concerns.
Tips for maintaining good oral health
There are many things you can do in your daily life to promote good oral health. Best of all, they don’t take a lot of time or effort, and you can work these ideas easily into your normal routine.
Regular brushing
You should ideally brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. If you eat a lot of starchy foods or consume sugary food and drinks, this is even more important. However, if you drink sugary drinks, don’t brush immediately after finishing. This is because the sugars and acids are still on your teeth, and brushing can be more abrasive as a result. Rather, rinse your mouth with water and wait an hour before brushing.
Most importantly, don’t skip your nighttime brushing. This is the one that most people forget, but it’s one of the most important parts of oral health. Brushing before bed helps to remove any tiny food particles, germs and plaque that can accumulate in the mouth during the day.
A healthy diet
Not many people can stick to a completely sugar-free diet. However, there are some foods and drinks that are worse than others. Even wine can stain your teeth, so it’s a great idea to rinse your mouth after drinking wine and brush your teeth when you get the chance. Ultimately, it helps to avoid alcohol, smoking and sugary or acidic food and drinks.
Generally, everything in moderation is a good approach. Enjoying a can of soft drink every now and then won’t ruin your oral health. Nor will the occasional glass of wine or piece of chocolate. However, if you overdo it on sugary and acidic foods, your oral health is almost certain to suffer.
Regular dental check-ups
No matter how well you look after your teeth, you still need regular dental check-ups. Even if there is nothing wrong with your teeth and gums, there are often things that only your dentist can identify. For example, regular brushing is obviously recommended for good oral health, but even regular bushing won’t completely remove tartar and plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums.
Professional dental cleaning is the only way to maintain completely healthy teeth and gums. Plus, when you visit your Parramatta dentist, they will do a thorough oral examination. Not all oral health problems come with pain or discomfort, meaning you may not even know there’s one until you’re checked by a professional.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Finally, always try to use toothpaste with fluoride in it. Some people are worried about this, but most dental advice you receive will promote the use of fluoride. This is because fluoride helps to fight against germs that lead to tooth decay and also offers a protective barrier for your teeth.
Looking for a dentist in Parramatta?
Here at Parramatta Dental Avenue, we specialise in all types of oral health management. From regular dental cleaning and check-ups to cosmetic dental repairs, we’re the team to call. Not many people enjoy going to the dentist, and we understand that. It’s why we create a safe, welcoming environment where everybody can feel safe. Our trained dental professionals want to make your visit as comfortable and pain-free as possible.So, if you’re looking for a welcoming, professional dentist to look after your and your family’s dental health, contact Parramatta Dental Avenue to make an appointment today.
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