While it may seem that your dental health is isolated from the rest of your body, the reality is that there is a connection between the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums and your total wellness that can’t be denied. Read on to learn how they’re related and also discover how visiting your dentist in Long Island City for preventive care can improve more than just your smile!
The Connection Between Your Mouth and Your Body
It could be argued that the most important area of the human body is the middle. This is where the spinal column (for nervous system function), nose (for inhalation) and mouth are located. What happens along this pathway affects the body as a whole. Because they are physically connected, it’s of the utmost importance to pay attention to what happens inside the mouth and the condition of your oral health.
The primary threat to the latter is the growth of bacteria. The microorganisms in your mouth hang around waiting for leftover food or beverage particles so they can feed on them and reproduce, which can create a caustic environment that can lead to tooth and gum decay. The effects don’t stop there, though.
The Danger of Unaddressed Bacteria Growth
If allowed to fester and grow, oral bacteria can seep beneath the gum line to cause germ pockets to form. Untreated, gum disease can develop, which is the inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. One of the dangers of this condition is that by oral bacteria entering the bloodstream by way of the mouth, they can lead to the following life-threatening issues:
- Stroke
- Oral Cancer
- Hypertension
- Heart Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the best ways to prevent these problems from arising is to maintain some consistent practices, which will help to create a healthier environment inside your mouth and body.
Ways to Maintain Excellent Oral and Overall Health
As a general “rule of thumb,” it’s much easier to prevent a problem than it is to treat a flare-up. Many times, the methods required are simple. Such is the case with protecting your oral health and using it as a means to fortify your total wellness. Here are some easy pointers to follow:
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
It’s critical to establish a consistent and effective oral hygiene regimen. It should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day to remove food and beverage particles and to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Monitor Your Food and Beverage Intake
A diet high in sugar can hinder your ability to maintain excellent oral health. That’s because bacteria love to feed on sugar. A way to protect your oral and overall health, then, is to monitor and limit your consumption of candies, pastries, alcohol and other items high in sugar.
Preventive Care Visits
In addition to making the appropriate lifestyle changes, it’s vital that you visit your dentist every six months for preventive care, which includes cleanings and examinations. By maintaining these visits on a consistent schedule and following the other guidelines provided, you can enjoy excellent total wellness and happiness for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran earned his dental degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Throughout his career, he has sought to expand his knowledge even further, which is why he has received advanced training in a host of areas, which include preventive and restorative treatments. Dr. Saran provides his patients the absolute best in dental care at LIC Dental Associates, and he can be reached for more information through his website.