Good oral health is critical. It’s not just about obtaining a beautiful, clean smile; it’s also about keeping the rest of the body healthy. Slacking with one form of self-care typically translates into declining health in other ways. This is true when it comes to oral health.
In fact, here are five amazing reasons why dental care truly matters to maintain good health inside and out:
#1 Identify oral cancer before you have the symptoms.
As a component of regular checkups, the dentist examines all soft tissues to guarantee they are in good condition. All dentists are efficiently trained to execute a cancer screening as a measure of continuous dental checkups. Dentists do this by thoroughly examining the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. If something suspicious is come across, the dentist may ask that you come back in a few weeks or a month for another examination.
A pre-cancerous lesion usually begins as a dark red or tiny white patch. In the beginning, the patient may not notice any symptoms. Approximately half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive over 5 years. That said, discovering early indications of oral cancer is quite critical. However, this can only be done with regular dental checkups.
#2 Healthy gums to obtain a healthier heart
Some studies associate oral inflammatory disease and increased heart disease risk. As stated by the Canadian Academy of Periodontology, patients suffering from periodontal disease are more likely to develop heart disease. As a result, they are more vulnerable to having lethal heart attacks.
Gum problems from prolonged bacterial exposure alone can result in cardiovascular disease. What may just seem like an inflammation issue in the oral tract may later cause inflammation throughout the body. Take into consideration that inflammation is a primary risk factor for heart disease. That said, it makes sense why a dental hygienist or dentist would ask for a family or personal history of cardiovascular complications. A health isue in one area may indicate a problem in the other.
#3 A two-way connection between diabetes and gum disease
People who are afflicted with diabetes are more susceptible to gum problems. However, more recent studies reveal that serious gum problems may contribute to diabetes as gum issues can influence blood sugar control. This only conveys the importance of taking proper care of the teeth.
This point again brings to light that problems in one area of the body can lead to health problems in another area over time.
#4 A healthy mouth can contribute well to a healthier pregnancy.
Regular checkups with a hygienist or dentist become even more important during pregnancy. Some health reports say that expecting women with poor dental health may be at greater risk of delivering low birth weight babies or premature babies as compared.
When it comes to receiving dental checkups during pregnancy, always make sure to let your dentist know that you’re expecting. That way, the dentist can be sure to avoid certain procedures or medications that may harm your unborn baby.
#5 Good oral health can help you lose weight.
Brushing your teeth after a meal can suggest that it is time to stop eating. After all, many correlete tooth-brushing with a completed meal. Additionally, the flavor of your toothpaste will help curb your appetite. Have you ever tried eating something shortly after brushing your teeth? It just doesn’t taste the same!
At the end of the day, upkeeping good oral hygiene should include checking for oral cancer, diabetes, inflammatory disease, and heart disease. Attending regular doctor and dental checkups can play hand-in-hand when it comes to our health. Of course, tending to your health at home by brushing your teeth and consuming a healthy diet are also critical for good heath all around.