If you are like most people, you know the importance of having a healthy smile. An unhealthy smile can mean discolored or crooked teeth, missing teeth, or bad breath. However, poor oral hygiene can result in health issues beyond the issues you can deal with in your mouth. Because of this, it is important to take dental care for your family in Tampa seriously.
The systems in your body are interconnected, and your mouth is the main gateway for everything that enters your body. Thus, if your mouth is not healthy, you can experience health issues in other parts of your body. Likewise, your mouth can be a tool used for diagnosing other health conditions that are not associated with your smile.
The Impact of Your Oral Health on Your Overall Health
Your mouth has a combination of bacteria. A healthy mouth must have an adequate number of good bacteria to combat microorganisms that carry disease. These microorganisms may enter your mouth when you eat, breathe, or drink. However, some oral bacteria are not quite beneficial. Some of these bacteria will react more aggressively to the sugars you consume than others. Whenever you eat carbohydrates or sugars, and you don’t brush and floss them away, plaque can form on your teeth. When this happens, some bacteria feed on plaque and produce teeth-damaging acids, causing tooth decay over time. In addition, if your teeth become weak and your gums inflamed or bleed, other harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream, causing health problems in other parts of your body.
Health Problems Associated with Your Oral Health
The following are health issues linked to your oral health:
- Heart disease. Studies show that bacteria that enter through your mouth can reach your heart and cause cardiovascular issues.
- Lung disease. Due to the connection between your mouth and your respiratory system, bacteria can easily enter your lungs and exacerbate conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia.
- Stroke. Bacteria from your mouth can cause inflame your arteries, causing a stroke.
- Diabetes. Research reveals that those who have diabetes can develop gum disease.
Importance of Good Oral Hygiene
Due to the link between your overall and oral health, you must practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth for two minutes at least two times every day, flossing your teeth once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Also, you should not skip your bi-annual dental checkup, so get your teeth thoroughly cleaned and examined by your dentist.