Whole-Body Benefits of Good Oral Health

Oral health has a significant impact on your overall health. If you have poor oral health, you might face numerous problems. That is why it is important to take good care of your teeth and gums. Listed below are various ways in which oral health affects your overall health.

Improved Self-Esteem & Confidence

Numerous studies have found that people with good oral health are more confident than those who neglect their mouths. This makes sense because poor oral hygiene can lead to discolored teeth, bad breath, and other unattractive symptoms that make people embarrassed to smile or speak in front of others. Having a nice smile can boost your self-esteem and make you feel more confident in your own skin.

People who smile and laugh more are also more likely to have healthy, white teeth. Bacteria and plaque can cause tooth discoloration over time, so maintaining excellent brushing habits can help you maintain a bright white smile for years to come. You can also avoid staining your teeth by drinking beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and even wine in moderation since these can discolor your teeth after prolonged exposure. Finally, regular dental hygiene visits help remove stains from your smile and keep your breath fresh and clean.

Boost Confidence

A smile is one of the most attractive features a person can have, and it can be a major confidence booster when someone has an attractive grin. However, many believe that it’s impossible to have a beautiful smile because it’s too expensive to fix their teeth. The truth is, it’s possible for anyone to achieve a beautiful smile, and there are several affordable cosmetic treatments available to make it happen.

Reduced Risk of Stroke, Heart Attack, and Gum Disease

Recent studies have linked poor oral health to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, recent findings presented at the British Dental Conference suggest that gum disease can raise your risk for all of the above by as much as 48 percent! So what can you do to keep your mouth healthy? In addition to brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, and getting regular checkups, consider eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables and low in sugar. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. This will help protect your smile from infection and decay.

Better Overall Physical Health

Good news! Taking care of your teeth and gums has benefits that go way beyond your mouth and gums. In fact, your oral health has just as much of an impact on the rest of your body as it does on your teeth and gums. For instance, if you’re diagnosed with diabetes, good oral health is essential for keeping that condition under control. Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects the whole body, including the mouth. Patients who suffer from uncontrolled blood sugar levels as a result of their diabetes have an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, which may lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and a decreased ability to fight infections. This is because bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the rest of the body, causing inflammation or infection. So by taking good care of your teeth and supporting your oral health, you’re also helping to protect your overall health as well.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366! We’re looking forward to helping you reach your smile goals with our restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry services.