When you think of oral health, it may seem like an aspect of your wellness that’s isolated from the rest of your body. Your dentist in Copperas Cove says that nothing could be further from the truth. More and more data sets are showing a possible connection between poor oral care and the development of serious health issues. Find out what they are and how you can protect yourself as you continue reading!
How Your Oral Health Impacts the Rest of Your Body
The mouth can be considered as the gateway to the health of the rest of your body. One reason is that the same blood that permeates your gums circulates throughout other areas. Therefore, if there are issues with your dental care that go ignored, there may not only be repercussions for your oral health but also for your total wellness.
The primary source of many dental health problems is bacteria growth. Although they’re always present, these microscopic germs grow exponentially when food and beverage particles are left behind. Then, as they digest the leftovers, the bacteria release caustic fluids that can contribute to tooth and gum decay.
Health Threats of Untreated Oral Bacteria
Along with being corrosive, bacteria have another dubious distinction; they will not stop moving and causing havoc unless they are eradicated. The chances of developing these life-threatening conditions are heightened by not taking proper are of your teeth:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Oral Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Complications with Diabetes
As best you can, you want to avoid any of these conditions. Thus, it’s a good idea to place preventive care as the focal point of your attention.
Ways to Prevent Bacteria Growth
Understanding the connection between bacteria growth and the deterioration of overall health, let’s look at some preventive measures that can be taken to protect your mouth, teeth, gums and the rest of your body. By taking action, you can have the peace-of-mind of knowing that you’re fortifying your overall wellness.
For starters, since bacteria love sugar, do your best to let the microorganisms starve by denying them what they really want. So if you have a “sweet tooth,” instead of desserts, candy and other snack items, you can incorporate more fruits into your diet.
It’s equally important to practice consistent and proper oral hygiene. The simplest and most effective practices are to brush and floss your teeth at least two times a day to limit the resilient bacteria from making any progress.
Finally, visiting your dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations will make a huge difference. Not only will it leave you better fortified against any problems that may be lurking on the horizon, but it will also leave you with a clean slate of oral health. So contact your local dentist to schedule a preventive care visit today!
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Caraveo earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Since then, he has remained passionate about helping every patient he sees experience the joys of having excellent oral health. Dr. Caraveo practices at Benchmark Family Dental, and he can be reached for more information through his website.