Are you a person that plays down the importance of oral health? Well you shouldn't according to this study how oral health has an influence on quality of life.
Oral hygiene could be the difference between great and poor general health.
It's not all about cavities and tooth extractions. Your oral health could determine other health issues, too.
For this reason, we are taking a look at how oral health has an influence on your quality of life.
How Infection has an Influence on Your Body
Infection can spread at a rapid rate - and it's no different when you experience a dental infection.
If you fail to embark with good oral hygiene, an infection can develop in your gums.
Once the infection occurs, your immune system will attack it, which can lead to inflamed gums.
The infection will continue to grow unless you tackle the issue with the help of a dentist.
One infection in the body can result in a person experiencing sickness in different ways.
For instance, a long-term infection may result in damage to both your gums and bone structure. This can cause a range of problems across your body, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Diabetes
- Low birth weight
So, if you believe you may have a dental infection, it is important to seek dental treatment right away.
Heart Disease
One of the problems you could face as a result of poor oral hygiene is heart disease.
Your oral health has an influence on your susceptibility to heart disease.
That's because both share the same risk factors due to:
- Unhealthy eating
- Obesity
- Smoking
Gum disease is also more likely to cause heart disease. Why? Because it can cause inflammation in the blood vessels.
By doing so, it will reduce the blood's ability to flow naturally in the body.
What's more, the fatty plaque has the potential to break away and move towards the brain. If this happens, a person is more likely to experience a heart attack or a stroke.
So, reduce your risk of heart disease by eating healthily and quitting smoking.
Oral Disease
Did you know there are 30,000 new cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma developing in the US every year?
It is, without a doubt, the most serious oral cavity disease.
The average age for the disease is 62, with it increasing in likelihood for black males.
You are also more likely to develop the disease if you smoke or excessively consume alcohol.
So, it's essential to reduce your consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. You must also avoid lengthy exposure to natural and artificial sunlight.
Early diagnosis is vital to prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.
The Truth About Oral Hygiene
If you want to improve your oral hygiene and protect your general health, there are things you can do.
It's important to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. You must also routinely visit a dentist for a check-up and cleaning.
It will boost your oral and general health. Not to mention, you'll have squeaky clean teeth for the perfect smile.
Don't forget to mention your health history to your dentist. It could determine a treatment option.
You should also share your dental history with your doctor. A health complaint could be linked to your oral hygiene.
By doing so, a dentist or doctor can make an informed decision on your health and the treatments.
Would you like to book an appointment with Pacific Beach Smile Studio? Contact us today.