The Link Between Oral and Overall Health

Last time, we reviewed the many ways your oral and general health are linked. You can improve many aspects of your oral and overall health by following these simple tips in your daily life.

1. Maintaining Proper Oral Hygiene to Prevent Gum Disease

The most important step in preventing periodontal disease is proper oral hygiene at home. Brushing and flossing help manage the oral microbiome and prevent bacteria from growing out of control. The link between your oral and overall health means that oral bacteria can travel to other parts of your body, such as your lungs and heart, putting your body at risk of other, secondary infections.

Make sure to brush teeth twice each day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing is also essential, as bacteria can hide in the nooks and crannies between teeth. Carefully clean around the gumline and between all of your teeth.

2. Choosing Healthy Foods to Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease

If you want to know how you can improve your health, focusing on your diet is one of the best ways. A healthy diet that includes a variety of foods will support your overall health and help prevent gum disease.

Getting enough vitamin C is one of the most critical areas of your diet. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to weak gums that are more prone to infection. You may notice bleeding gums or other symptoms if you’re not getting enough vitamin C.

3. Watching Out for Common Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that can eventually lead to tooth loss. However, you can take effective action to reverse the condition if it’s identified early enough.

You should watch for signs of gum disease and call your dentist if you notice any of them. Swollen, sore, discolored, or bleeding gums are all clear signs of gum disease. Bad breath is another common indicator. You may notice gum recession or even loose teeth as the condition progresses.

4. Extra Precautions During Pregnancy

There are different areas of your health to watch during pregnancy, and this includes your oral health. Prenatal dental care can help prevent gum disease and cavities, both of which are more likely during pregnancy.

Watching your diet is also a particular challenge during pregnancy. It’s easy to pick up snacks that aren’t good for your oral health, especially when morning sickness and pregnancy fatigue leave you without the energy to make healthy meals. Try prepping food ahead of time so that you have healthy choices on hand.

5. Taking Action on GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious health concern in terms of both oral health and its impact on your esophagus and respiratory tract. If you are dealing with occasional reflux, consider eating slower and chewing more thoroughly. You can also elevate your head during sleep.

If you have frequent reflux, you should see a doctor. The condition can be severe and indicate underlying issues.

6. Drinking Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated confers many health benefits, including tooth decay prevention, improved brain performance, better joint function, and more efficient process of body waste. Drinking water helps rinse bits of food and bacteria from your teeth. You should try to drink plenty of water throughout the day and with meals or snacks.

Sticking to water is best for your dental health, but you don’t have to avoid sugary drinks entirely. An occasional sugary drink isn’t a big issue. However, you should avoid drinking them slowly over long periods, as this provides a steady source of food for bacteria.

7. Keeping Up with Routine Appointments

Routine dentist appointments are vital to preventing oral health issues. Professional teeth cleaning removes harmful plaque and tartar, and an exam allows your dentist to spot oral health problems early—ones that may have an effect on your overall health, such as oral cancer and potential signs of diabetes or acid reflux. You can also ask your dentist about the right oral hygiene products.

8. Taking Steps to Prevent Tooth Clenching

If you find yourself sitting in front of a computer, hunched over, with your jaw clenched, you are not alone. Jaw clenching can cause more than pain in your jaw; it can extend to your head, neck, shoulders, and back. You can combat grinding and clenching by massaging and relaxing your facial muscles when you feel tension. Clenching is often related to stress, so take note of the time of day when you tend to clench your teeth.

9. Considering a Night Guard for Grinding and Clenching

If you clench your jaw and grind your teeth at night, you may not be aware of this habit until you begin to experience side effects, such as a sore jaw, headaches, or worn down teeth. In this case, a night guard could be what you need. These custom oral appliances prevent harm to your teeth during sleep and can also help with jaw pain and other symptoms.

10. Addressing Anxiety and Stress

Addressing anxiety and stress carries a range of benefits, including the gut-brain connection. Studies show that increased long-term stress can also increase your likelihood of gum disease, as well as put you at risk for conditions like hypertension, heart attack, or stroke. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and breathing exercises can help. You can also try to identify sources of stress in your life and work to resolve them, making sure to take the time you need for yourself.

Taking Care of Your Oral Health

The mouth-body connection means that your oral health can significantly impact your general health. Staley Dental provides the preventative dentistry and other procedures you need to maintain good oral health and enjoy its many benefits. Schedule your next appointment today.