When most people think about the benefits of oral hygiene, they think about how their habits will affect their teeth and gums. But in reality, oral health can affect all areas of your body, not just the mouth. Some oral diseases can cause a heightened risk of other serious issues, like heart disease. Your oral health can even affect your mental health! Here are just a few of the ways oral health can affect your overall health.
Heart, Lung, and Respiratory Conditions
Oral health is often considered a “window” into your overall health. When your mouth is well-taken care of, your overall health is more likely to be good as well. Doctors are able to monitor your overall health by monitoring your oral health. This is because some oral health issues are directly related to life-threatening diseases.
For example, gum disease increases your risk of some life-threatening diseases including heart, lung, or respiratory disease. If you’re having any gum issues, make sure to visit a dentist in Redondo Beach to treat the problem and ensure that you aren’t at risk for other, more serious conditions.
Stomach Problems
Not taking care of your mouth can lead to a build-up of bad bacteria. These bacteria can travel from your mouth into your stomach. The bacteria make it harder for your stomach to fight off infection, which could potentially lead to stomach problems such as gastritis and acid reflux.
At Redondo Beach Dental, we want you to be able to participate in all the activities that you love. With our help, you can avoid painful, life-interrupting stomach problems.
Mental Health Issues
Did you know that a lack of confidence in your body can lead to mental health problems? When your teeth aren’t well maintained, you can lose confidence in your overall body image. This can lead to problems with mental health, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. Keeping your mouth healthy will keep you feeling confident and ready to enjoy your usual beach activities!
Bone Loss
Periodontitis is a serious oral disease caused by bacteria that slowly eats away at the bones in and surrounding your mouth. Typically, most bone loss occurs in the jawbone but can occur in other areas of the face in extreme cases. This bone loss affects your whole body and can be especially complicated in diabetes patients.
Stay Happy and Healthy in Redondo Beach!
At Redondo Beach Dental, we know how important it is to our clients to stay active and be able to enjoy Redondo Beach’s beautiful seaside scenery. When you maintain good oral health, you’re working toward great overall body health. This allows you to stay active and enjoy activities like biking, swimming, running, and everything else you enjoy.
By maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, you can help your whole body stay healthy. Schedule an appointment with our dentist at Redondo Beach today to start caring for your oral health!
