As you brush your teeth at night, you might be thinking, “Why is oral health important?” Oral health consists of more than how your teeth look and feel, but encompasses the entirety of your mouth.
Are you curious about the connection between oral health and overall health? If so, keep reading to learn more about how to keep your mouth healthy and why you should.
Oral Health and Disease
There is a link between oral health and the onset of disease. When you don’t care for your teeth by brushing, flossing, and keeping annual dental check-ups, your teeth can succumb to decay and disease.
This is because the bacteria that build up on your teeth can produce a hard substance called tartar. When tartar sits on your enamel for a long period of time it becomes damaging to your gums and soon the process of gum disease begins.
When you have gum disease, your teeth pull away from your gums allowing pockets in your mouth for more bacteria to enter your bloodstream. In fact, there are several diseases associate with gum disease:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Osteoporosis
Pregnancy complications may also arise if you find yourself with gum disease. In some people, there’s also a connection between diabetes and oral health, and people with diabetes tend to suffer from gum disease more frequently than those without.
Functionality of Teeth
Another reason why your oral health matters is because of the functionality of your teeth. Your teeth keep your jawbone stable and secure because the roots of your teeth tell your body to maintain the bone. When your teeth are missing, your facial structure suffers and sinks.
Eating, drinking, and speaking are more difficult when you don’t have your teeth. You might feel self-conscious as well, and not attend social gatherings or enjoy your life as much as you want.
Keeping your teeth healthy is essential so you can maintain the functionality of your teeth. Thankfully, if you do lose a tooth or teeth due to disease or trauma, you can contact Dr. Suzanne Caudry.
Caring for Your Teeth
Continuing dental care is the primary way to maintain your mouth’s health and prevent problems.
For starters, brushing your teeth twice a day or after every meal goes a long way in keeping bacteria at bay. Flossing at least once a day or even twice removes the excess food particles from between your teeth.
You’ll also want to keep your visits to the dentist twice a year. Not only will the dentist clean your teeth to remove build-up that your toothbrush cannot, but they can detect oral problems and catch them before they become too problematic. This leads to fewer dentist’s visits, saves you money, and saves your teeth in the process.
Why Is Oral Health Important?
When you’re asking the question, why is oral health important, you can remember that it’s to preserve your teeth and protect your body. Without your teeth, daily activities are difficult and you expose yourself to diseases.
Do you want to learn more about how to live a healthy life? We’ve got the best tips for you! Visit our website and be on your way to living a healthier life!