Chances are you know how important it is to brush and floss your teeth daily. However, you might be surprised to learn that taking care of your teeth benefits your overall health and well-being. Since oral health and whole-body health go hand-in-hand, issues with your teeth and gums may increase the risk of serious health problems, such as stroke and heart disease. Fortunately, dental insurance and dental financing can make it easier to cover the cost of dental care, which may play a part in helping you stay healthy for years to come.
Conditions you may prevent with excellent oral health
Poor oral health often creates conditions like gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth decay. Believe it or not, these issues have been linked to an increased risk of the following complications.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for a group of heart-related disorders. Coronary artery disease, clogged arteries, and stroke are some of the most common types of heart conditions. Research proves that those with periodontal disease, an advanced stage of gum disease, have much higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Put simply, healthy gums may lead to a healthy heart.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is more likely to occur in people who already have heart problems. It’s essentially the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart valves and can be life-threatening. It usually causes symptoms such as fatigue, achy joints and muscles, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Once again, taking care of your teeth and gums may help prevent this serious condition.
Pregnancy and childbirth complications
While you should always care for your teeth and body, it’s particularly important when pregnant. Studies have shown that poor dental health may lead to a variety of complications with pregnancy and childbirth. Some examples of these conditions include miscarriage, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and even stillbirth. Prioritizing your oral health during pregnancy may help protect you and the baby.
Pneumonia
You’ve probably heard of pneumonia and know it’s a serious condition that can quickly turn life-threatening. Pneumonia is an infection that can affect one or both lungs and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and vomiting. Dental cavities have been associated with the development of pneumonia, perhaps because oral bacteria can easily enter the upper airway and lungs. By preventing cavities through routine dental visits, you may help decrease your chances of developing pneumonia.
How to achieve optimal oral health
Although advice may vary, it’s a good idea to regularly visit your dentist for comprehensive oral exams and cleanings to improve your long-term oral health. Early identification is key to treating dental issues, so keeping a regular schedule of dental visits is potentially the best way to avoid developing more serious conditions. Your dentist may also advise brushing and flossing your teeth daily and avoiding sugary, hard foods as much as possible.
Protect your teeth and body
If you’d like to lead a long, healthy life, keeping your teeth and gums in optimal shape is essential. Doing so may protect other body parts and reduce the risk of serious and sometimes fatal complications.
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