When it comes to taking care of your health, you might think about exercising, eating better, and getting a good night’s sleep, among other things.
But, did you know that your oral hygiene can also impact your overall health?
Maintaining your oral health goes beyond a great smile and fresh breath. If you don’t take good care of your teeth, you might be risking your overall health as well.
To give you an idea, here are five ways in which your oral health can impact your overall health.
Reduce Your Risk of Developing Heart Disease
While it may seem hard to believe, your oral health and heart health are more connected than you may realize.
If you have poor oral hygiene, then you are at a higher risk for gum disease. If you develop gum disease and it is left untreated, it can allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. These bacteria can cause inflammation and increase the risk of heart problems like heart disease and stroke.
That’s why, you can reduce your risk of having cardiovascular disease by practicing good oral hygiene habits.
Lower Your Risk of Diabetes Complications
If you have diabetes or your risk of developing diabetes is high, then you should pay attention to your oral health.
When you have diabetes, your body’s ability to fight infections can become compromised. This includes infections in your mouth. The higher blood sugar levels can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. As a result, you might need cosmetic dentistry work or full arch dental implants, among other things.
On the other hand, poor oral health can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. This can make it much more challenging for you to manage your diabetes.
Improve Your Respiratory Health
If you know anything about the impact of smoking or vaping, then you might know that your mouth and lungs are closely linked. But the relationship goes much further than just smoking or vaping.
If you neglect your oral hygiene, it can lead to gum disease and infections, as discussed above. Those health problems can lead to respiratory conditions.
Basically, the harmful bacteria in your mouth make their way into your lungs and cause infections or aggravate existing respiratory issues. By taking better care of your oral health, you can reduce the risk of respiratory problems and breathe easier.
Enhance Your Digestive Health
This might seem obvious, but good oral health plays a big role in your digestive well-being.
If you have problems with your teeth, gum disease, or other oral health problems, you may not be able to chew food properly. This can lead to digestive issues.
More than that, the bacteria in your mouth can enter your digestive tract and cause problems like bloating and stomach ulcers. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can have a healthy digestive system and reduce the risk of digestive disorders.
Boost Your Mental Well-being
Taking proper care of your oral health can also improve your mental well-being.
You might already know that oral health problems like gum disease and tooth loss can cause discomfort and pain. But at the same time, people might be embarrassed to smile or speak properly. This can lead to lower self-esteem and confidence along with higher stress levels and an increased risk of depression.
Having a healthy smile can go a long way in boosting your overall mood and mental health.
