HOW ORAL HEALTH IMPACTS OVERALL WELLNESS

In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research done surrounding the impacts of oral health care. For example, experts suggest there is a relationship between gum disease and health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Here at Biltmore Commons Dental Care, we’re passionate about your health care as well as your overall wellness. So, let’s look at some other ways dental health impacts your health.

The impact of oral health on overall wellness

HEALTH ISSUES RELATED TO POOR DENTAL HEALTH

Your entire body is interconnected. Every system, including your oral health, works to sustain your vital organs and keep you healthy. Therefore, when diseases or bacteria take hold in your mouth, you’re likely to experience symptoms elsewhere. For example, you probably don’t think anything of the bleeding when you floss. But that blood is a key indication of gum disease. Unfortunately, these bacteria also travel into your bloodstream and attack other areas of your body. In some cases, this bacteria causes heart attacks, strokes, and even endocrine issues.

Studies also show that this bacteria can cause cognitive diseases such as dementia. In the brain, plaque and bacteria build up on nerve endings, disrupting the flow of information between neurons as well as between hemispheres. Over time, this plaque grows, leading to memory loss and other imparities.

POOR DENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS YOUR SOCIAL HEALTH

Humans are social creatures. Another study shows that some relationships and connections reduce stress and lower your chances of heart-related issues. But, when you’re not confident in your smile, you may feel discouraged and avoid social interactions altogether. Unfortunately, this is not good for your mental or physical health. We all need physical touch and interactions to some degree, but if you’re avoiding these because of your oral health, then it’s time to seek professional dental care.

Additionally, not getting enough social interaction can lead to anxiety and depression. When you feel like you lack a social group or support, the world can feel big and overwhelming. While you may not even realize it, your poor dental health could be keeping you from feeling confident enough to maintain these vital social relationships. 

WAYS TO ESTABLISH BETTER DENTAL HEALTH CARE

While it might sound intimidating to make an appointment with a dentist after all these years, the alternatives aren’t much better. Establishing a great relationship with a dental practice you can trust is the first step in combatting poor dental health and boosting your overall health. Still, there are some things you can do at home to help.

First, you should start with a routine of brushing and flossing. When selecting the right toothbrush or toothpaste, make sure you stick with a soft bristle brush and choose fluoride toothpaste. While the fluoride can’t replace any enamel that’s been lost, it can help strengthen what’s left. As for the floss, choose either a threaded floss that’s thicker or a good water-pick flosser. Either one is a great option and will help eliminate any food particles and bacteria between teeth. 

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Whether you’re a first-time patient or have been coming to us for years, Biltmore Commons Dental Care treats every patient the same: with compassion and empathy. Your dental care is crucial for your overall physical and mental wellness, which is why we take it seriously.
We offer a wide range of dental services to Phoenix, AZ, residents, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and periodontal treatment. To book an appointment, give our office a call at (602) 249-2227.