Did you know that brushing and flossing can help keep your heart healthy? Since everything is connected in the body, taking good care of your smile improves your overall well-being. And, the reverse is true – your teeth are affected by the condition of your physical health. How? The team at Olberding Dental, your premier dentist in Lincoln, explain in this post.
How Does My Smile Affect My Overall Health?
Dr. Louis Olberding knows that maintaining good oral health can prevent diseases that impact your entire body. In fact, keeping your smile up-to-par can inhibit conditions like:
- Endocarditis – In this condition, bacteria or other germs from your mouth spread through your bloodstream and infect the inner lining of the heart (endocardium).
- Cardiovascular Disease – Most people are familiar with the research that shows a link between heart disease, and inflammation and infection from oral bacteria.
- Premature Birth & Low Birth Weight – Both prematurity and low birth weight have been shown to be related to gum disease.
How Does My Overall Health Affect My Teeth?
Systemic diseases impact your entire body, including your teeth and gums. Dr. Olberding educates you on health conditions that can negatively affect your smile:
- Diabetes – Since diabetes makes it harder for the body to fight infection, gum disease is more prevalent in people with this systemic condition. Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that “people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, and that regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control” (2017).
- Osteoporosis – In this condition, the bones become weak and brittle, which is connected to the reduction of jawbone tissue. And, since your teeth are bones, they can be affected by this condition, and can break or chip easily.
- Alzheimer’s Disease – An oral hygiene regimen that deteriorates can be a sign of Alzheimer’s Disease. Also, oral bacteria that enters the bloodstream or the nerve channels in the skull can lead to forms of dementia.
How Can I Protect My Smile & My Health?
To keep your smile healthy and make sure the rest of your body stays in perfect shape, follow these three tips from our team:
- 2x2x2 – Brush your teeth gently for two minutes, twice a day – and floss when you brush. Just like you visit your doctor for checkups, and visit us at least twice a year for exams and cleanings.
- Eat Healthy – Sugar can do a lot of damage – to your teeth, your waistline, and your hormones. Limit sweets and carbs in both foods and beverages. Eliminate sodas, and stick to water. Enjoy high-protein snacks, leafy greens that are packed with calcium, and say cheese, since dairy products are great for your whole body.
- Don’t Smoke – If you use any type of tobacco products, stop now. You’ll drastically reduce your risk of oral cancer, in addition to ending bad breath and preventing unsightly discoloration.
Now that you know how your oral health is linked to your overall health, schedule your appointment with Olberding Dental today to keep your smile – and your entire body – in great condition!