Does Oral Health Actually Affect the Entire Body?

Between lazy mornings and tired evenings, sometimes going through an extensive oral hygiene routine gets put on the backburner. Unfortunately, this is becoming a dangerous habit in the U.S. today. In fact, 33% of adults don’t floss, an additional 33% have untreated tooth decay, and a whopping 48% don’t visit the dentist at least once a year. However, when high-sugar diets and a lack of a proper oral hygiene routine are in place, your body pays the price. Read on for how your oral health affects your body, health concerns linked to poor oral hygiene, and how to prevent gum disease in Phillipsburg.

How Does Oral Health Affect the Body?

Your mouth is an entryway into your body. When bacteria, germs, and viruses create a home in your mouth and are left unattended, they can breed and make their way into your bloodstream. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you prioritize your oral care regimen and bi-yearly visits to the dentist.

4 Health Concerns Linked to Poor Oral Hygiene

• Cancer – For decades, dentists have warned their patients of the negative consequences of poor dental habits, like smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco. In fact, people who partake in these behaviors have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with lung, oral, and liver cancer.
• Cardiovascular disease – When your mouth is not cleaned properly, the bacteria in it can reproduce at an alarming rate. This can cause your gums to become infected, resulting in gum disease. From there, it can enter your bloodstream, attach to your blood vessels, harden, and lead to cardiovascular disease.
• Respiratory infections – Similar to cardiovascular disease, bacteria from infected teeth and swollen gums can enter your bloodstream and lungs. Once inside, it can lead to infections like pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Infertility – When there is an infection in your teeth or gums, your body’s natural response is to send infection-fighting cells to the area. However, this requires an immense amount of energy from your body, which can result in a weakened immune system. This can leave your body weak and make it hard to sustain a healthy pregnancy.

7 Prevention Tactics to Implement Today

Although the repercussions of poor dental hygiene can be unpleasant to consider, it is important to know that it is entirely preventable. By implementing a proper oral care regimen, you can keep your teeth, gums, and overall health in tip-top shape for decades to come. Therefore, make sure to:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Avoid bad dental habits (i.e., smoking, opening things with your teeth, etc.).
• Implement a clean diet that is high in vitamins and low in sugary foods.
• Always brush your tongue.
• Use mouthwash regularly.
• Visit your dentist for bi-yearly visits.

Since the condition of your oral health can significantly affect your entire body, it is important to take it seriously. By practicing proper prevention, you can ensure that your dental and overall wellbeing is in top-notch shape!

About the Practice

For five decades, the husband-wife duo of Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino and Dr. Nelida Garcia-DeMartino have used their extensive experience and clinical expertise to provide their patients with top-tier dental care. Whether you need a routine cleaning, emergency treatment, oral surgery, or a smile makeover, you can get all the services you need at their conveniently located state-of-the-art facility. If you are looking for a talented, experienced, trustworthy dentist in Phillipsburg, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 908-859-5260.