A lot of people think that oral health is all about having fresh breath and bright teeth. But in an actual sense, oral health is more important than that. Indeed, your dental health has a significant impact on your overall health. Some of the ways in which dental health affects your general health include:

Oral Health and Cardiovascular

Health When you do not maintain proper dental hygiene through daily brushing and flossing in addition to regular professional dental cleaning, plaque is going to accumulate on your teeth. Studies have shown that alongside high cholesterol levels, bacteria in oral plaque contribute to the blockage of blood vessels. Besides, if plaque finds its way into the bloodstream, it could eventually get lodged in an artery. This can contribute to several cardiovascular health issues, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and even stroke.

Oral Health and Respiratory Problems

Air flows through the mouth on its way to the lungs. Therefore, if your mouth has an unhealthy amount of microbes, the microbes will find their way into the lungs, and they may lead to respiratory problems such as pneumonia. Unfortunately, an illness like pneumonia can be fatal, especially among seniors. Therefore, maintaining proper oral hygiene can significantly improve a person’s respiratory health.

Oral Health and Diabetes

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is known to affect the management of diabetes. Gum disease is a condition in which gums pull away from the teeth due to bacterial infection where the teeth meet the gums. Gum disease usually makes it difficult for the body to absorb the medication for managing diabetes. Besides, the high levels of blood sugar make the infection in the mouth worse. Therefore, for people living with diabetes, oral health is an extremely important part of their diabetes management programs.

Oral Health and Pregnancy

Most pregnant women know the kind of food and supplements they are supposed to have to deliver healthy babies. However, most do not realize how important their dental health is for their pregnancy. For instance, pregnancy hormones are known to worsen dental health problems, and gum disease can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Overall, it is apparent that your dental health has a significant effect on your general health. Therefore, you need to maintain the highest standards of oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly if you want to stay healthy. If you live in Sunshine Coast, Bright Smiles Dentistry is the best dental facility for you and your family.

Visit us or contact us today for all your dental health needs.