Oral health is not just about having a beautiful smile and avoiding cavities. It is also an essential part of your overall health and well-being. In fact, many studies have shown that oral health can affect your risk of developing various diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even some cancers. In this blog post, we will explore the connection between oral health and overall health, and why you need to visit your family dentist regularly to maintain optimal oral health.
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ToggleWhat is Oral Health?
Oral health is the condition of your mouth, teeth, gums, and other oral structures that enable you to perform essential functions such as eating, speaking, breathing, and smiling. Included in what we consider your oral health is also the absence of oral diseases and infections which can manifest themselves as gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, oral cancer, and others.
Your oral health can be influenced by many factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, hygiene, medications, and environmental exposures. Some of these factors are modifiable, meaning that you can change them to improve your oral health. For example, you can brush and floss your teeth daily, limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, avoid tobacco and alcohol use, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Fortunately, in Canada, we have one of the highest rates of oral health. This is due to the fact that we have access to a large number of qualified and experienced dentists like Dr Beeram at Beach Grove Dental in Tsawwassen. As a result, we do not have to wait for long periods of time to receive the proper dental treatments.
How Does Oral Health Affect Your Overall Health?
Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and what happens in your mouth can have an impact on your overall health. This is because your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, most of which are harmless or beneficial. However, some of these bacteria can cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease, if they are not kept under control by your natural defences and good oral hygiene. These oral infections can then spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream or your respiratory tract. Consequently, according to the World Health Organization, they can cause inflammation and damage to your organs and tissues.
Some of the systemic health problems that have been linked to poor oral health are:
Cardiovascular Disease
This is a group of diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Research suggests that oral bacteria and the inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to the formation of plaque and clots in your arteries. This can restrict blood flow and increase your risk of cardiovascular events.
Another health problem that can be caused by bad oral health is endocarditis. This is when the inside of your heart or its valves gets infected by bacteria. These bacteria can come from your mouth if you have gum disease and your gums bleed. The bacteria can travel through your blood and get to your heart, where they can infect it and cause endocarditis.
Diabetes: Vicious Cycle of Complications
Gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, because diabetics have high blood sugar levels they can be more prone to oral infections, such as gum disease, due to their impaired immune system and healing ability. This can create a vicious cycle so it’s very important, especially for diabetics, to have optimal oral health.
Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Pregnant women are more susceptible to oral health problems, such as gingivitis, due to hormonal changes that affect their gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and bone damage. According to the Mayo Clinic, periodontitis has also been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, which can affect the health and development of the baby.
Pneumonia and Respiratory Issues
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in your air sacs, making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of these microorganisms can originate from your mouth, especially if you have poor oral hygiene or dental problems. When you inhale, these microorganisms can enter your lungs and cause infection. This is more likely to happen in people who have a weakened immune system, such as the elderly, smokers, or those with chronic diseases.
Dementia
As we have already mentioned, when you have gum disease and your gums bleed, bacteria from your mouth can get into your blood and go to different parts of your body. These bacteria can infect and harm the nerves and blood vessels that link to your brain. A study showed that people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, who also had gum disease, lost their memory skills significantly faster than those who did not have gum disease.
Why Do You Need to Visit Your Family Dentist Regularly?
As you can see, oral health is not something that you can ignore or neglect. It is a vital component of your overall health and well-being, and it can affect your quality of life in many ways. That is why you need to visit your family dentist regularly, at least twice a year, for preventive care and early detection of any oral problems.
Your family dentist is a trusted and experienced professional who can provide you with comprehensive and personalised dental care. At Beach Grove Dental, Dr Beeram offers a wide range of dental services for adults, seniors, and children, including:
Dental Exams and Cleanings
We use the latest dental equipment and techniques to examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for any signs of decay, disease, or cancer. We also remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth and polish them to make them look and feel clean and smooth.
Dental fillings, Crowns, and Bridges
We use high-quality materials and advanced technology to restore your teeth that are damaged by decay, trauma, or wear and tear. We can also replace your missing teeth with fixed or removable prosthetics that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental Implants
We offer dental implants as a permanent and durable solution for replacing your missing teeth. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone and support a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants can improve your appearance, speech, chewing, and confidence.
Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer various cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and Clearline aligners, to enhance your smile and correct any aesthetic flaws, such as stains, chips, gaps, or crookedness. Cosmetic dentistry can boost your self-esteem and make you more attractive and approachable.
Oral Surgery
We perform oral surgery procedures, such as tooth extraction, wisdom tooth removal, and placing dental implants. We use oral sedation to help you relax and feel comfortable during the procedure.
Emergency Dentistry
We provide same-day emergency dental care for any urgent dental issues, such as severe toothache, broken tooth, knocked-out tooth, abscess, or infection. We will do our best to relieve your pain and save your tooth as soon as possible.
Contact Us Today to Book Your Dental Appointment!
If you are looking for a family dentist in Tsawwassen, Ladner, or other South Delta communities, contact Beach Grove Dental. Dr Beeram has been providing gentle, compassionate, and quality dental care for over 15 years. We have a friendly and caring dental team, a modern and comfortable dental office, and a flexible and convenient schedule.
Don’t wait any longer to take care of your oral health and overall health. Call us today at (604) 330-1163 to book your dental appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your family and helping you achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life!