More often than not oral health is disregarded when it comes to taking account of your general health. But oral health is just as important as oral health offers a lot of clues about your overall health. The connection between your oral and general health can help you figure out a lot more about your own body. Register with a Siliguri dental clinic to set up an appointment.
Table of contents:
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How is oral health and overall health connected?
- How can you protect my oral health?
- What conditions can be linked to oral health?
How is oral health and overall health connected?
Just like other parts of your body, your mouth is also full of bacteria, most of which are harmless. But as the mouth is the starting point of your digestive and respiratory tracts, some of these bacteria can be the cause of diseases.
The bacteria in the mouth are typically kept under control by general oral hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth, flossing and gargling with mouthwash. However, if there is lack of proper hygiene in the body, bacteria can multiply to harmful numbers in the mouth leading to oral infections, tooth decay and gum diseases.
Certain medications which include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants can reduce the flow of saliva, making your mouth dry. Saliva is the natural way that the body washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. This helps to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease.
How can you protect my oral health?
Here are some tips recommended by a Siliguri dental clinic.
- Try brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Floss daily.
- Use mouthwash to wash away food particles left after brushing and flossing.
- Limit food with added sugars and stick to a healthy diet.
- Switch out your old toothbrush for a new one every three months or sooner if bristles are worn out.
- Go to regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid using tobacco.
What conditions can be linked to oral health?
Poor oral hygiene might contribute to various diseases and conditions, some of these include:
- Endocarditis: This condition is the infection of theinner lining of your heart chambers or valves. This condition typically occurs when bacteria from another part of your body, like the mouth, spreads through your bloodstream and attaches to certain areas in the heart.
- Pregnancy and birth complications:Periodontitis has been effectively linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs resulting in pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Doctor Smile is one of the best among the various Siliguri dental clinics.