Numerous factors impact your overall welfare, one of which is the condition of your mouth. Oral hygiene is an important component of self-care. This is because your mouth is home to various bacteria and pathogens, which can impact your well-being.
Likewise, the condition of your teeth and gums can lead to other health problems, such as a stroke. So how do you look after your oral health, and what can your mouth tell you about your physical well-being? Find out more below:
What Is The Link Between Your Oral Health and Wellness?
Your mouth is home to more than six million types of bacteria. Even though most of these pathogens are harmless, they can become dangerous for your health if you allow them to build up. This only occurs if you aren’t regularly brushing and flossing. When bacteria mix with your saliva and excess sugar, it can produce a harmful biofilm that can harm your teeth and make you sick.
Hence your best defense against an unintentional bacterial buildup is a visit to the dentist. California is home to about 15,000 dentists, out of which more than 6,000 reside in Los Angeles. If you want to scrutinize these numbers further, nearly 2,000 experts are in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Sherman Oaks. Therefore, contact a reputable dentist if you’re worried about problems like gaps, crooked teeth, or excess space; a dentist can help you with these issues.
Depending on the condition of your mouth, you will need braces or Invisalign. In the latter case, Invisalign is more aesthetically pleasing than braces. Still, if you’re worried about the pricing, you can always find out what invisalign braces cost in Sherman Oaks and determine if you can afford the procedure or if your insurance covers it. Getting your teeth inspected and fixing your problems before they worsen is always a good idea. You will notice a stark difference in your health once you get your mouth looked at, your teeth examined, and your oral hygiene sorted.
Problems Related To Your Oral Wellness
Your mouth gives the bacteria a direct pathway into your body. If you’re not careful about your oral hygiene, the bacteria will multiply, which can eventually spread and make you sick. The following are conditions that can occur if you neglect your oral health:
- Poor Hygiene Can Cause A Stroke
The bacteria in your mouth can easily travel to other body parts, such as your heart. Once the pathogen gains access to your heart, it can insert itself into its lining, causing it to enlarge and its valve to trigger a fatal disease known as bacterial endocarditis. When your heart enlarges, it struggles to pump blood efficiently and increases the risk of a blood clot getting lodged in the vessels. As a result, you can have a stroke or a heart attack. Furthermore, the same bacteria can also cause a blood infection, such as sepsis, that is highly lethal.
Hence, you must evaluate your oral health if you’re suffering from gum disease or a tooth problem. So if you suffer from complications like swollen, receding, or puffy gums, you need to see a dentist immediately to clear the bacteria. You can also prevent bacteria from colonizing by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing after every meal, and using mouthwash. These minor measures will prevent mouth sores, stop your teeth from discoloring and prevent plaque from forming over your teeth.
- Deteriorating Oral Health May Lead To Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a severe lung infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These microbes can cause your lungs to swell up, mucus to fill the lining of your airway, and may raise your basal temperature resulting in a fever. You can end up with pneumonia anytime a large volume of bacteria gains access to your lungs. This also includes the bacteria in your mouth. If you leave these pathogens unattended, they can multiply and slowly make their way down your airway.
So, if you have cavities, struggle with bad breath, and have fillings that need replacement visit a dentist immediately. Under these circumstances, the bacteria in your mouth can rapidly divide and progressively make you sick. What may seem like a harmless issue with your tooth can lead to a significant illness that requires extensive treatment and recovery.
- Has Links With Osteoporosis
Your bone and the condition of your teeth are intertwined. Doctors can gauge your bone health by looking at your teeth and gums. If you have weak teeth that break easily or can get damaged, there’s a high chance you have weak bones. Osteoporosis is a disorder in which your bones lose their rigidity and structure, making them more prone to fractures. Once the bone tissue becomes fragile, it significantly decreases bone mass. This can lead to fractures, which may require healing surgery. However, osteoporosis is not just related to your bones but extends to your teeth. Since the disease impacts bone mass, it can also affect the hardness of your jaw bone.
Consequently, this weakens your teeth, causing them to fall out or get impacted. You also develop a borderline risk of developing periodontal diseases due to weakened bone structure. Once the bacteria flood your system, you may fall sick more often and need to see a doctor frequently.
Final Thoughts
Remember to pay attention to your oral well-being when looking after your health. Your teeth do more than chew your food. These structures also play an essential part in your overall well-being. If your oral hygiene is in shambles, you may introduce bacteria and pathogens into your system that can make you sick. Therefore, stay on top of your mouth hygiene by brushing regularly and visiting a dentist. It would help if you didn’t let problems fester since it can lead to issues like a possible stroke, susceptibility to pneumonia, or weigh down on your immune system.
While most bacteria in your mouth are harmless, they can become dangerous for your health under the right conditions. Once they flood your system, you may experience symptoms like fever, nausea, weakened immunity, and in the worst-case scenario, a severe illness that requires a visit to the ER. So avoid all these situations with a straightforward solution: incorporate oral hygiene into your self-care plans.