Maintaining optimal oral health is essential for a healthy body and mind. Surprisingly, poor oral health can affect your overall well-being in ways you may not have realized. As a whole, oral health just isn’t taken as seriously as it should be by the public. Health and dentistry go hand in hand and can help to reduce the risk of complications and improve confidence. Here are 5 surprising ways your oral health affects your whole body health.

The negative effects of poor oral health: 

1. Oral Health and Heart Disease

Not caring for your oral health properly can increase the risk of heart disease. When bacteria from your mouth enters your bloodstream, it can cause inflammation in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease. People with gum disease are also more likely to have high blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Oral Health and Diabetes

Diabetes and poor oral health often go hand in hand. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and gum disease can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Gum disease that impacts blood sugar can lead to complications such as kidney disease, vision problems, and even nerve damage. Therefore, it is essential for people with diabetes to take care of their oral health and visit their dentist regularly.

3. Oral Health and Pregnancy

Pregnant women need to take care of their oral health as it can not only hurt their own health, but can affect the health of their baby. Poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, and other complications. Therefore, it is very  important that pregnant women should visit their dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of these complications.

4. Oral Health and Respiratory Infections

Not following an appropriate oral health routine at home can increase the risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia. Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs and may cause infections.Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

5. Oral Health and Dementia

Studies have shown a link between poor oral health and dementia. People with gum disease may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, causing inflammation and damage to the delicate structure of the brain. This of course makes it essential to maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of dementia.

The positive effects of a good oral health routine: 

Maintaining good oral health and preventive dentistry is not just important for a beautiful smile, but it has a significant impact on overall health. Here are five positive ways that good oral health helps overall health:

1. Reduces the risk of heart disease: 

Poor oral health can lead to periodontal disease, which has been linked to heart disease. By keeping your mouth healthy, you can also protect your heart. Show some love to your heart by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash every day!

2. Lowers the risk of respiratory infections: 

Bacteria in the mouth can cause infections in the respiratory system. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

3. Helps control diabetes: 

People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and the presence of gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. By maintaining good oral health, people with diabetes can better manage their condition.

4. Improves pregnancy outcomes: 

Pregnant women with poor oral health are at a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. By taking care of their oral health, pregnant women can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

5. Boosts self-confidence: 

A healthy smile can boost self-confidence and make people feel better about themselves. Good oral health not only benefits physical health, but it can also have a positive impact on mental health.

Oral health, whether good or bad, can affect your whole body health. Maintaining a good oral health routine is essential for a healthy body and mind. Remember, it is important to visit your dentist regularly, maintain good oral hygiene, and take care of your overall health. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of these health problems and enjoy a healthy and happy life.