How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
What is oral health?
Oral health refers to the overall health of the mouth, including the teeth, gums, lips, inner lining of the lips and cheeks, the chewing muscles, roof and floor of the mouth, tongue, salivary glands, tonsils and adenoids, and pharynx. It is not just about healthy teeth but rather about being free from chronic oral-facial pain, oral and pharyngeal cancers, oral soft tissue lesions, congenital disabilities such as cleft lip and palate, and other diseases and disorders affect the oral, dental, and craniofacial tissues. Good oral health is essential for proper nutrition, communication, mood, and appearance and is also linked to heart and lung diseases, stroke, preterm and low-weight births, and diabetes. Good oral health is necessary for essential human functions such as chewing, swallowing, speaking, smiling, kissing and singing. It is a crucial component of overall health and quality of life.
What are the benefits of having good oral health?
The benefits of having good oral health are numerous. Good oral health can help improve one's ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and facial expressions to show feelings and emotions. Good oral health also helps prevent oral diseases such as cavities and oral cancer, which can cause significant pain and disability. Good oral health is also essential for overall health and well-being. It can improve physical and mental health and help prevent chronic oral pain conditions, oral cancer, and congenital disabilities. Good oral hygiene also helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, leading to better overall health. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health, so to reap the benefits, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene daily by brushing and flossing your teeth, using mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, and replacing your toothbrush regularly. It is also important to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings and to avoid tobacco use.
What are the signs and symptoms of poor oral health?
The signs and symptoms of poor oral health include bad breath, dry mouth, mouth sores, orthodontic issues, signs of gum disease, teeth grinding, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and tooth decay. Other problems caused or worsened by poor dental health include heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Poor oral self-care, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, excessive alcohol use, and a poor diet, can also lead to poor oral health. Additionally, limited access to and availability of dental services, lack of awareness of the need for care, cost, and fear of dental procedures can limit a person's use of preventive interventions and treatments. Age, socioeconomic status, and certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can make individuals more vulnerable to oral health issues.
How can you maintain healthy teeth and gums?
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, visiting a dentist at least once a year is essential for preventative care and early treatment of any dental diseases or oral conditions. Good oral hygiene should also be practiced daily by brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing once daily. Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, so drink fluoridated tap water and use fluoridated toothpaste and rinses. Eating a healthy diet, limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol, and avoiding recreational tobacco use can also help protect your teeth and gums. For additional protection, have a dentist place dental sealants on children's permanent molar teeth, wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports, and chew sugar-free gum between meals when it may not be possible to brush with a toothbrush.