When people think of going to the dentist, especially a cosmetic dentist, they are often under the misconception that their visit is all about appearance. Straight teeth, white teeth, that’s all about how you look, right?
Not quite. There is undisputable evidence that your oral health plays a direct role in your overall health and well being. Don’t believe us? Here are five reasons why your oral health matters to your overall well being:
5) Oral Infections Can Spread Gum disease can lead to oral infections, and unfortunately, such infections are not just a mouth problem. These infections can spread to other parts of the body, creating or worsening digestive issues, spreading to the heart and causing bacterial endocarditis, and other problems. This often works in reverse, too, which is why some diseases can be diagnosed in part through symptoms that show up in your mouth. Your Oakland dentist will tell you that these include heart disease, diabetes, leukemia, and kidney disease.
4) Your Oral Hygiene Habits Can Affect Your Weight This may sound too unbelievable to be true, but it’s a fact: good oral hygiene habits could have an impact on your weight. The way this happens makes startling sense once you think about it. Brushing your teeth sends a signal to your mind and body that you are finished eating. Try brushing your teeth when you have an urge to snack and see what happens. Your appetite will be suppressed. This is further enhanced by the fact that nothing tastes good after you’ve just brushed. Brush quick before reaching for that glass of soda and you won’t want the soda after you’re done!
3) Gum Disease And Diabetes Are Linked We have known for a long time that those suffering from diabetes are more prone to gum disease. What we are only just now discovering, however, is that the link may go in the other direction, too. Having gum disease may contribute to your diabetes. How? By impacting blood glucose control. The Canadian Diabetes Association notes that the bacteria associated with gum disease produces toxins. When the body fights those toxins, your body’s response “can increase insulin resistance and, therefore, blood glucose levels.”
2) Ladies: Poor Oral Health Can Impact Your Unborn Child If you’re pregnant, you already know that you’re eating for two. What you may not know is that poor oral health can have a dire impact in the health of your baby. Experts have linked periodontitis and low birth weight, as well as premature birth. In other words, if you want a healthy baby, ensure you have a healthy mouth.
1) You’re Going To Look A Lot Better Unless you’re eager to visit an Oakland cosmetic dentist, chances are you want to avoid things that will make your teeth look bad. After all, your eyes and your smile are two of the first things people notice. A good cosmetic dentist in Oakland can fix many of the issues you’ll encounter with poor oral hygiene, but isn’t it better to avoid the visit in the first place? Good preventative hygiene is not just good for your health, it’s good for how you look and feel. A bright smile fills you with confidence, and people respond positively to confidence.
The evidence is clear: your oral health and your overall health go hand in hand.
