Your Oral Health and Its Impact on Wellness

When thinking about wellness, most people do not immediately think about the impact of oral health on wellness. In fact, believe it or not, most people do not care about their oral health till a dental or oral mishap strikes!

Did you know that your oral health can reveal critical information about your general health, and that disorders in your mouth can influence your entire body? Learn more about the link between your oral health and your entire health to protect yourself.

Oral Health and Overall Wellness

Your mouth, like other parts of your body, is teeming with germs, most of which are harmless. However, because your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory systems, some of these bacteria can cause illness.

Bacteria are normally kept under control by the body’s natural defenses and regular oral health care, such as frequent brushing and flossing. Without adequate dental hygiene, bacteria can build up to the point where they cause oral infections including tooth decay and gum disease.

Decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants, among other drugs, might lower saliva flow. Saliva sweeps away food and neutralizes acids created by bacteria in the mouth, assisting in the protection of the body against microorganisms that reproduce and cause disease.

Oral germs and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) may play a role in several disorders, according to research. Furthermore, certain disorders, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can reduce the body’s response to infection, making oral health issues worse.

What Conditions Are Linked to Oral Health

Your oral health could have a role in a number of diseases and ailments, including:

Endocarditis. When bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, migrate through your bloodstream and adhere to certain locations in your heart, an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) occurs.

Cardiovascular Disease. Although the link is not entirely understood, some evidence suggests that oral bacteria might induce inflammation and infections, which can lead to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Premature birth and low birth weight have been connected to periodontitis.

Pneumonia. Bacteria from your mouth can enter your lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

What Can I Do To Improve My Oral Health?

Improving your oral health is easy. Taking care of your teeth and gums is a wise investment in your general well-being.

Practice appropriate dental hygiene on a daily basis to safeguard your oral health.

• At least twice a day, brush your teeth for two minutes each time. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss on a daily basis.
• After brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to remove any remaining food particles.
• Limit sugary foods and beverages and have a healthy diet.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or splayed.
• Schedule dental cleanings and checkups on a regular basis.
• Avoid all forms of tobacco use.
• See your dentist right away if you experience any form of oral health problems.

This article on oral health and its impact on wellness was authored by Dr Gerald Tan, the founder and managing director of Elite Dental Group. Dr Gerald Tan is the ex-President of Aesthetic Dentistry Society of Singapore (ADSS) and has an interest in dental implants and changing the perception that most people have for dentistry. He prides himself on creating a safe environment for people who suffer from dental anxiety.