Being proud of your smile leads to healthier oral habits. Here’s a look at how dental hygiene is connected to your overall health, and what cosmetic procedures will lead you to a higher quality of life.
The idea that health should be treated as a holistic issue is nothing new. For years, this discussion has included topics such as your diet and gut health, sleep patterns, emotional well-being, and exercise. However, there is one integral piece of the puzzle that isn’t so often included in the discussion: oral health. It is often said the mouth is the “window to the body.” What exactly does that mean?
How Is Oral Health Connected to Overall Health?
Think about it: your mouth is the entry point to your digestive, respiratory tracts, and your body in general. It also houses your oral microbiome: the diverse collection of living microorganisms (read: bacteria) that live in your mouth and play essential roles in overall health. Don’t fret, the bacteria that live inside the human body more often than not co-exist without harming us, and even provide mutual benefit.
However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Other factors, like low saliva flow, gum inflammation, and more, can lead to more severe oral-health issues. Let’s take a look at what these issues might be.
These Diseases Are Linked to Poor Oral Health
Knowing how your dental hygiene is linked to overall health is important. Here are a few diseases and issues that are related to bad dental hygiene.
- Endocarditis: This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.
- Cardiovascular disease: Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
- Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
- Diabetes: Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
- Alzheimer’s disease. Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
Reading through these might be a bit daunting, but it’s important to know how taking care of your mouth will lead to an overall higher quality of life. So, how can you improve the quality of dental care? Keep reading for tips on maintaining a healthy mouth.
How to Maintain Positive Oral Health
According to the CDC, these are the best steps to take to maintain good oral health:
- Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.
- Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Do not use tobacco products.
- Limit alcoholic drinks.
- If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease. Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level.
- If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco products and alcohol.
- See your doctor or a dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell.
Now, these are the basics of proper oral hygiene. But they’re not the only steps you can take to improve your quality of life. The following section goes into cosmetic dentistry, which has a host of benefits beyond esthetics that will lead to a healthier smile.
Cosmetic Dental Care Can Improve Oral Health
While cosmetic procedures might seem superficial up front, it turns out these services do much more than that. Some procedures do double duty as both restorative and cosmetic. When you are proud of your smile, you take care of your teeth more, which promotes overall oral health.
An experienced dentist, like Dr. Richard Whalen at Dental Design Studio in Poughkeepsie, can provide specific treatments that are sure to make you proud of your smile. Here are a few cosmetic procedures that might help:
- Teeth whitening: Professional whitening treatments can lift external stains from the enamel and drastically brighten the color of your smile.
- Wrinkle removal: Using a laser treatment, your dentist can help reduce wrinkles without injections and no recovery time.
- Reduce snoring: A non-invasive, no pain procedure that can help reduce snoring and increase sleep quality.
Come Take a Tour of Dental Design Studio!
At Dental Design Studio, it is our goal to help you maintain your natural teeth for life and realize the smile of your dreams. Offering comprehensive dental care, Dr. Richard Whalen has extensive experience in all fields of dental treatment, from general and restorative to TMJ care and cosmetic dentistry, and is dedicated to helping you enjoy optimal oral health!
At Dental Design Studio, we understand that every patient is unique; therefore, so is every treatment we deliver. Dr. Whalen provides personalized oral care for every patient and creates individual treatment plans to address your particular needs and desires.
Within our practice we aspire to make your dental visit a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Our dedicated dental team will ensure every step is taken to make you feel relaxed and at ease.
We look forward to caring for you.
Dental Design Studio
46 Fox Street, Suite 3
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-7653
Monday: 9a-6p
Tuesday: 8a-5p
Wednesday: 8a-5p
Thursday: 730a-4p
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: closed
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