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The Oral-Systemic Connection

There is an important connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your body. This is called the oral-systemic connection. This simply means that oral health impacts your overall health, and systemic health (the presence of various diseases and disorders) can affect your oral health. With your mouth being the “gateway to your body,” the two are intricately linked.

Warning Signs of Poor Oral Health

Cavities

Sticky plaque buildup leads to decay and bacterial infections of the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel or dentin). Tooth decay, or cavities, is the most common infectious disease in the world.

Gum Disease

Periodontitis, or gum disease, occurs when bacteria in your mouth produces toxins, which seep into the gum tissue. The human body’s response to this infection is chronic inflammation and tooth loss.

Consequences of Poor Oral Health

Oral Consequences

Dental problems can cause pain, but you can also have severe dental disease without noticeable symptoms.

Losing a tooth not only removes a portion of your chewing force, it also creates additional stress on the remaining teeth.

Loss of teeth can have a negative impact on your smile and appearance.

Chewing is the most important first step in digestion. Losing teeth can lead to digestive problems from under-chewed food reaching the stomach.

Systemic Consequences

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects your immune system, your body’s ability to heal, and your risk for most types of cancer.

Chronic inflammation is always bad, no matter what part of the body it affects. Countless scientific research studies show a significant link between oral health and systemic diseases, such as:

  • Heart Attack
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Alzheimer’s

Benefits of Good Oral Health

Economic

Someone who commits to great oral hygiene will save a significant about of money in dental care over their lifetime. It’s much less expensive to prevent dental problems than to treat them.

Social

A healthy smile improves confidence, appearance, and self- esteem. Beautiful smiles are associated with friendliness, happiness, and hygiene.

Psychological

An insecure smile can lead to embarrassment and social anxiety. Smiling also releases endorphins that act as an antidepressant. Forcing a smile can lower stress, decrease heart rate, and boost mood.

Physical

A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body! Good oral health allows you to eat a balanced diet and properly chew food to complete the first stage of digestion.

How to Maintain Good Oral Health

  • Proper Brushing Technique
  • A Balanced Diet
  • Consistent Dental Visits
  • Full-Body Wellness