According to the Oral Health Foundation, the average person spends more than 82 days of their lives brushing their teeth! While this daily practice does wonders for keeping your teeth white and your breath minty fresh, it serves an even greater purpose: preserving your oral and general health. After all, your mouth is the entryway to your digestive tract, allowing harmful bacteria to easily travel throughout the body. With this in mind, a dentist in South Portland is sharing eight serious health issues linked to oral health problems and preventive tactics to implement today.
8 Serious Health Issues Linked to Oral Health Problems
At first glance, a problematic tooth or inflamed gums may seem like a minor dental concern. However, if left untreated, an infection can form and quickly wreak havoc on your oral health. From there, it can spread throughout your body via your bloodstream, resulting in serious health issues like:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dementia
- Respiratory infections
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy complications
- Infertility
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
At-Home Prevention Tactics to Implement Today
The good news is that a solid prevention plan can significantly lower your risk of the above health issues linked to oral health problems. Therefore, if you aren’t already, make sure to implement the below best practices today:
- Brush your teeth and gums for two minutes twice a day
- Floss daily
- Use mouthwash regularly
- Limit sugary foods and beverages
- Avoid poor dental habits (like smoking and drinking alcohol excessively)
- Eat a vitamin-rich diet
How Your Dentist Can Help
When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, no one is a greater ally than your dentist. Unfortunately, many patients view their routine appointments as optional or as nothing more than a quick sweep for cavities. In reality, they do so much more! The examination portion alone can ward off decay, catch gum disease in the early stages, and lead to the detection of non-dental issues (like oral cancer). On the other hand, the professional cleaning will remove stubborn plaque and clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth to keep your oral health in pristine condition.
Your oral health directly impacts your overall health, so don’t let your dental care routine slip. Instead, use the above at-home prevention tactics and keep your routine visits to your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Parét earned her dental doctorate from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and she has been using her extensive experience, passion for overall wellness, and unique talent for creating personalized treatment plans to help patients ever since! In fact, she has undergone advanced training in laser dentistry, oral surgery, digital dentistry, nutrition and diet, and more in her time in the dental field. If you are looking to get your oral health in Portland back in tip-top shape, visit her website.