Oral health is more important than many people realize. When you take care of your teeth, you may also be helping your physical health, your mental health and maybe even your career or future career. That’s because all of the above are interconnected. Here’s how.
The Mayo Clinic has referred to oral health as a “window to your overall health.” Your mouth serves as the entry point that allows bacteria into to your body, and can also be an indicator of what’s happening within. Mayo Clinic goes on to report that a number of conditions could be affected by your oral health and/or could affect your oral health, including cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, diabetes, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer’s disease.
And then there are oral health issues, themselves, such as cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of children have had a cavity by age 8 (with low-income children twice as likely to have cavities) and one in four adults ages 20 to 64 has a cavity right now. Further, 34 million school hours are lost every year because of emergency dental care, and more than $45 billion in productivity is lost because of untreated dental disease. That’s a lot of time and money!
But it’s not just physical health, education and financial health that’s impacted. Think about the importance of your smile. It’s a way of expressing how you feel, and connecting with others; it’s a flash of who you are. That smile imparts confidence, energy, emotion. Yet, it’s something you may not think about unless you’re unhappy with your own smile. Research shows that dental disorders, such as tooth loss and untreated decay, have a profound impact on the self-esteem of adolescents. According to a report by American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, 23 percent of adults feel embarrassed by the condition of their mouth and teeth; one in five experience anxiety because of their mouth and one in four report they avoid smiling because of it. That can impact relationships, careers, school participation and even day-to-day decision-making.
All of these statistics underscore just how important your dental health is. Here are four ways to take the best care of your mouth for your overall health, according to the CDC and the ADA.
- Visit your dentist at least once a year. He or she will give your teeth a good cleaning and exam, and can catch any potential issues early. In addition, your dentist can give you advice tailored to your own habits and needs.
- Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Floss once a day to remove plaque between your teeth.
- If you are taking a medication that causes your mouth to be dry, talk to your doctor or dentist about it. Saliva is important when it comes to regulating bacteria in the mouth, and without it, you could be at risk for tooth decay or certain types of infections. In the meantime, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water may help.
- Eat a healthy, varied diet. Visit MyPlate.gov to get the governmental guidelines on what you should be eating (lots of fresh fruits and veggies, healthy proteins, whole grains and calcium-rich dairy). Be sure and keep sugary foods and drinks to a minimum, and drink lots of water—especially fluoridated water.
For a lifetime of good dental habits, start early. Teach your children the importance of brushing and flossing so that they can smile with confidence and make informed decisions about their physical and mental health. To get in the habit of regular check-ups, make an appointment with a dentist today.
