Everyone hears from a young age that staying on top of their oral health is important. However, many people don’t know that oral disorders and diseases can affect their whole body and that dental health can reveal information regarding their general health. That is why it is imperative to not just understand what services dentists provide, but also what you can do at home to ascertain optimal dental health.
What is Dental Care?
Simply put, dental care is the act of keeping your teeth and mouth clean in order to avoid dental issues. Dentistry is a practice that involves using qualified dentists to take care of your teeth and mouth.
Why is Dental Care Vital During Pregnancy?
Maintaining dental health is a crucial aspect during pregnancy. When you are expecting, the chances of developing dental health issues are higher, which can have a negative effect on your pregnancy. Research has shown a relationship between premature birth and gum disease. Premature babies are more likely to experience health issues during delivery and later in life compared to full-term babies.
When expecting, taking proper care of your teeth, gums and mouth will help foster a healthy pregnancy and infant.
Why is Dental Care Vital in Senior Years?
Dental health or oral health is a vital aspect of the elderly’s overall health. Dental issues make it hard to consume and absorb drugs in an effective manner. Also, poor dental health has been linked to conditions like heart disease and pneumonia in the past. As such, it is imperative to promote oral health and wellbeing in old age.
How Does Dental Health Link to General Health?
Similar to other body parts, your mouth is full of germs. Although most of these germs are harmless, the fact that your mouth is the gateway to the respiratory and digestive systems, the harmful kind can result in some form of illnesses.
Germs are usually kept under control by your body’s immune system and regular dental care like regular brushing and flossing. Without proper dental care, bacteria will build up to a level where they cause infections like gum disease and tooth decay.
Painkillers, antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, diuretics and other types of drugs can lower saliva flow, the liquid responsible for swallowing food and neutralizing acids made by bacteria in the mouth and thus protecting you from microorganisms that cause diseases. As such, it is important to stay on top of your oral health to avoid taking drugs that cause lower saliva production and flow. If you are in fleet or within Hampshire and require a dentist, I would recommend google searching ‘Dentist Fleet Hampshire‘ for the best available options.
What Conditions are Linked to Oral Health?
Your oral health may have a role in an array of conditions such as:
- Pneumonia
Bacteria originating from the mouth can make their way to the lungs and cause respiratory diseases such as gum disease.
- Endocarditis
When germs or bacteria from other parts of your body like the oral cavity make their way into the bloodstream and get to the heart, they can lead to an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, leading to endocarditis.
The following diseases and conditions can have an impact on your dental health:
- Diabetes
This condition puts the gums in danger by reducing the body’s response to infection. People who are diabetic seem to have a higher incidence and severity of periodontitis or gum disease.
According to studies, people with gum disease tend to have a harder time maintaining their sugar levels. As such, treating this condition can help improve diabetes control.
- HIV/AIDs
People suffering from HIV/AIDS tend to have oral issues like mucosal sores.
- Osteoporosis
Tooth loss and periodontal bone loss are also linked to this bone destroying condition.
As such, it is imperative to ascertain proper dental health by visiting your dentist on a regular basis and brushing/flossing on a frequent basis.
