Oral health is as important as your physical health. Poor oral health can lead to many problems, and if you are one of those who simply ignore your oral health, then its time you pay attention to it.
A] What Causes Poor Oral Health?
If you don’t brush your teeth or floss properly, it could lead to many health issues. Oral health has a much greater impact on your body than you may realize.
Your mouth is full of good and bad bacteria. The harmful bacteria normally feed on the sugar that you consume. It creates acids that attack the tooth enamel, which causes bacterial infections that could lead to tooth decay or cavities.
If the tooth is not treated on time, it can leave a huge impact on your overall health.Thus, one can’t ignore the importance of oral hygiene, which is why taking care of your teeth and gums is essential as it will not only help you to flaunt a pretty smile but also improve the health of your body.
B] Ways Your Oral Health Affects You
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Cardiovascular Health
Gum infection or gum inflammation raises the risk of heart diseases or strokes. If there is an inflammation in your gums, it increases the inflammation throughout your body. Inflammation throughout the body is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Gum diseases that are caused by extended bacterial exposure can also lead to heart problems.
Poor oral health generally interferes with blood pressure control in people who have hypertension. In some cases, it may cause the condition of periodontal disease. Periodontal is a condition that is marked by tooth damage or gum infection. The disease worsens blood pressure and also interferes with hypertension treatment.
If the blood pressure in the body is not controlled, it may cause heart problems. So, indirectly a gum infection that stays for too long can affect your heart health. It is important to visit the dentist at least once every two-three months to prevent any kind of gum inflammation, as a problem in one area may trigger something bigger in others.
Book a consultation for periodontal examination today!
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Diabetes
Do you know that diabetic people are more prone to gum diseases? But, do you know that gum disease is also a cause for diabetes? New studies have suggested that gum diseases may contribute to diabetes.
Gum diseases may affect blood glucose control in the body. Periodontal disease may also cause the condition of diabetes. The periodontal infection affects the bacteria that produce toxins, which then affects the carb metabolism in different cells.
The host response to periodontal bacteria increases the insulin resistance that causes an increase in the blood sugar level. Thus, keeping your blood sugar level in control is important to avoid oral health issues.
- For the condition of dry mouth, use a mouthwash with alcohol. Its recommended that diabetic people brush their teeth after every meal as a part of oral hygiene.
- If possible, use a toothbrush with softer bristles and floss at least two times a day.
- Use good antiseptic mouthwash for your oral health.
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Lung Infections
People who suffer from periodontal disease have more bacteria that breeds in their mouth. They are most likely to inhale germs that can lead to lung infections. All those people who have pre-existing lung issues, a gum infection may make your condition worse. Gum infections can also cause the condition of pneumonia in elderly people.
Elderly people who have dentures should primarily focus on oral hygiene as it may cause many oral health issues or gum infections.
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Teeth Grinding and Joint Health
Poor oral hygiene can also trigger the condition of grinding teeth. The tooth grinding habit can cause damage to your enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity. At times, it may result in broken or chipped teeth. Bruxism is a condition that may affect the joints and jaws of the body. This can eventually lead to joint pains.
If you are suffering from jaw pain or tooth grinding, then you must visit your dentist as soon as possible to avoid health complications later.
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Oral Health and Pregnancy
The increase in pregnancy hormones can worsen dental problems in pregnant women. Even many studies suggest that pregnant women with gum diseases are most likely to deliver pre-term or a low-birth-weight child.
Most women may also develop gestational diabetes. Regular check-ups with a dentist are important during the pregnancy term. If a pregnant woman does not take care of oral health, then it may cause the condition of periodontitis. It is a condition that puts babies at risk of being born prematurely.
Babies that are born prematurely face the risk of developing problems like asthma, behaviour difficulties, and ear infections.
Women who are pregnant should take special care of their dental hygiene. They should pay heed to brush and floss followed by regular visits to the dentist. Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy is not only important for the mother but also the unborn child.
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Smoking and Cancer
Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer by up to 10 times. Consumption of tobacco products may increase the risk of gum and oral cancer. Also, poor oral hygiene increases the risk of oral cavity cancer, so it is best to avoid smoking.
Further reading: Does Smoking Affect Your Teeth – The Long Term and Short Term Effects of Smoking
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Tongue Health and Germs
Bacteria accumulate greatly on the taste buds of the tongue. So, it can cause dental and gum issues. You need to clean your tongue daily with a tongue cleaner so that your tongue remains clean. Also, rinse your mouth with water when you eat something sweet or spicy.
C] How to Improve Your Oral Health?
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Regular Dental Visit
How many dental visits do you make in a year? Well, if you don’t visit a dentist regularly, then you must start doing it right away. Your dentist will address your dental issues well in advance, and that’ll help you maintain good oral hygiene. Schedule an appointment today!
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Brush Twice a Day
You must brush your teeth every time you have a sugary drink or snacks. Ideally, brushing twice a day is good for oral hygiene. If possible, you could also carry a portable brush so it would be handy after consuming a sugary snack.
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Don’t Forget to Floss
Floss at least two times a day and use a mouth rinse or simply rinse your mouth with water after you have something sweet. Flossing helps to remove the plaque that sets in between the teeth. It is always advisable to have snacks that are sugar-free or with less sugar.
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Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks
Avoid sugary foods, as they may be a cause of tooth decay. Even sweet soda drinks cause tooth decay or gum infections. Fruits are the safest option if you have a sweet tooth. Fruits don’t coat in your mouth as normal sticky sugar may do. You may also chew sugar-free gum after you eat something sweet. Sugar-free gum helps you to produce additional saliva that then helps to remove the coating of sugar from your teeth.
Further reading: Best and Worst Foods For Your Teeth [Infographic]
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Drink Plentiful Water
You must drink at least two litres of water to maintain good oral hygiene, as water helps to flush the bad bacteria that sit on your teeth.
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Quit Smoking and Drinking
Smoking and drinking affect your teeth and increases the bad bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to an acid attack that then causes tooth decay or cavities. If the condition is left untreated, it may cause periodontitis, gum diseases, or worse yet tooth abscess, which could sometimes lead to emergency dental care. Smoking also causes your teeth to turn pale yellow, so quit smoking and drinking.
Wrapping Up,
You need to take care of your teeth and gums like any other part of your body. You need to use the right brush and change it often. Do understand the needs of your oral health and plan accordingly.
Develop a daily routine like brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day. When you develop an oral hygiene routine, it’ll prevent various health-related issues.
You also need to follow an excellent diet plan. Many foods trigger problems in oral health. Avoid sugary foods and sweets and stick to natural food options. Smoking affects your teeth badly if possible quit smoking or limit your smoking. Also, avoid caffeinated drinks.
Looking for a dentist in Sunshine Coast? We are here to help you!
Book Your Dental Appointment Today.
Our Dedicated Team at Oris Dental is Ready to Provide You with Excellent Care!
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi
Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.
