These past few years, the percentage of individuals prioritizing their health has skyrocketed, which has benefited many industries. Many Melbourne residents have been pretty self-conscious about their health, living an active lifestyle, but it’s only in recent years that they have started to give more importance to their dental health as well. Choosing a dental clinic is important because it will help you maintain optimum dental and oral health, which are both tied to your overall well-being. In this article, we’ll be highlighting how dental health is just as crucial as the other aspects of our body and its importance in your overall welfare.
It’s more than your smile: the link between oral health and your overall health.
Although a bright and beaming smile is a great asset, there’s more to having a great set of pearly whites—it’s an indicator of great health. It’s a fact that oral and dental health is closely tied to our overall health, which is why it’s also important to attend your regular dental check-ups. Good oral hygiene and preventive care go a long way because they can prevent various health problems. Here is a short list of health issues that can stem from poor dental hygiene:
Gum disease. Gum disease is one of the concerning illnesses you can develop by neglecting your dental health. This makes your gum prone to infection and gingivitis, which is the beginning stage of gum disease. Extreme tar and plaque buildup under the gums can lead to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that causes tooth loss.
Heart disease. Did you know? There are over 700 species of bacteria in our mouths, which makes it all the more important to visit your dentist regularly. The chances of these bacteria entering the bloodstream are low but never zero. Once it does, it can travel to the heart, which can increase your chances of developing heart disease and even cause a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes are at a higher risk of developing infections and gum disease, making them more prone to periodontitis. Once the latter is developed, it makes it hard for these individuals to control their blood sugar levels.
Pneumonia. In addition to the heart, it is possible for bacteria in your mouth to travel to your lungs, increasing your risk of developing pneumonia.
Dementia. Some studies show a correlation between gingivitis and other gum diseases that can lead to the development of dementia because of the possibility of bacteria entering the bloodstream. From there, they can spread into the nerve channels that are tied to your brain.
Oral cancer. The chances of you getting oral cancer can be low, especially if you love a very balanced and healthy lifestyle. However, people who drink and smoke have a high risk of developing it, although there are also some instances where certain individuals develop throat and mouth cancer.
Now that you know the detriments of neglecting your dental and oral health, make the time and effort to commit to your regular dental checkups. For those who still don’t have a local dentist to help them achieve this, make an effort to find the best local dental clinic in Melbourne. Choose a dentist that has a reputable track record and expertise and is easily accessible, so you won’t have to take long commutes. Various dental clinics offer different services, like Dentist Bentleigh East, whose amenities include general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
Tips for maintaining oral health.
We’ve said before how finding the right dentist is important, but do take note that half of it constitutes your effort too. Aside from the regular cleaning and checkups performed by your dentist, it’s equally important to practice good oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth twice daily. The simple act of brushing your teeth goes a long way; after all, what we’re trying to prevent is the buildup of plaque and bacteria, protecting your teeth from cavity buildup. While we’re at it, make sure to also brush your tongue, because a lot of people neglect to do so.
Don’t forget to floss. Many people are hesitant to floss their teeth under the false belief that their teeth will get loose. It’s necessary to do this so you can scrape every nook and cranny where the plaque often forms.
Include mouthwash in your regimen. The final step to the three-point combo of cleaning your teeth is gargling with mouthwash. This not only helps kill bacteria, but it also leaves your breath fresh.
Lessen or avoid sugary foods and drinks. It’s time to ditch the sodas and candies if you want to keep your teeth healthy for a long time. Adapting a healthy diet can help keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. With little to no sugar or starch in your consumption, the risks of cavity buildup are significantly lower. But this is not only limited to sweets; if you want to maintain your pearly whites, it’s best to lessen, if not totally avoid, your caffeine and wine consumption since these stain your teeth.
Quit smoking. Smoking can lead to a number of health detriments that are not only limited to your dental health. Not only can it make your teeth turn yellow, with nicotine rotting it out, but smoking can also lead to several gum diseases as well as respiratory problems.
Make it a habit to visit your dentist regularly. Aside from the biannual deep cleaning and checkup, your dentist can also screen you for other oral issues. By doing so, they can help provide you with treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed. In addition to that, they also help you save money in the long run by preventing your oral issues from worsening.
The aforementioned steps above are just a few tips that can help you maintain your oral health. It’s best to consult with your local dentist to formulate a treatment plan that caters to your specific wants and needs.
