As part of the digestive system, the food we consume is broken down through our mouth, which passes through our throat, where it goes straight to the stomach, where it’s absorbed for nutrition. However, many people only see oral health as having a great smile, not knowing a healthy pair of teeth and gums goes beyond that. In this article, we’ll be discussing the importance of oral health for overall awareness and how it impacts everything from our physical health to our mental health.

How oral health is connected to systemic diseases.

As mentioned above, the mouth is the gateway toward the rest of the body—and it’s not just limited to food. This is why it’s crucial to visit Camberwell Dental and other dentists at least twice yearly to get your teeth cleaned professionally and screened for potential issues. With that said, poor oral hygiene can negatively affect the rest of our bodily functions and pose detrimental systemic implications such as the following:

Gum disease and diabetes. Tartar and plaque buildup along the gum line is pretty dangerous since it could lead to gum disease, which could worsen and lead to periodontitis—a condition affecting the gums surrounding the teeth, causing them to become inflamed. In worst-case scenarios, it could even lead to tooth loss if left unchecked. Multiple studies have shown that there’s a strong connection between gum disease and diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes have a strong chance of developing gum diseases and vice versa. This is because of their poorly controlled blood sugar levels, which impacts the immune system. If an infection develops, their immune system will have difficulty fighting it off, further complicating their diabetes management.

Gum disease and heart disease. Similar to diabetes, many studies also saw the link between gum disease and heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Once your gum becomes infected, the bacteria may penetrate the bloodstream and travel to other body parts. This means plaque buildup is also possible in the arteries, causing clogging that leads to heart complications and issues.

Respiratory infections. Since studies have established that bacteria and viruses can travel via the bloodstream, they could also negatively affect our respiratory system, causing lung infections and other sicknesses like pneumonia.

Pregnancy complications. Low birth weight and preterm birth are two conditions that are linked to gum disease during pregnancy, with records showing that women who have gum disease tend to give birth to premature babies or low birth weight.

How does oral health affect our quality of life?

Having good oral health goes beyond physical health, since it also affects us mentally and socially as well, affecting our overall quality of life.

Self-esteem and confidence. A healthy and beaming smile is a great asset, one that boosts your self-esteem and confidence. On the other hand, people who have stained, missing, or decaying teeth tend to think negatively of their image.

Making connections. In relation to the above-mentioned, if you look confident, people deem you as more approachable and would happily connect with you. This helps you build new connections that could help you reach new opportunities in life.

There’s a lot more to oral health than just a pretty smile; it affects our whole being, as well as our own perception and our social life. This is why it’s paramount to practice routine oral care and attend regular dental checkups to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which leads to a happy life.