Oral Health and Overall Health
Did you know that unhealthy teeth can actually be a detriment to your overall health? That’s right, your oral hygiene and overall oral health play a big role in your general health. The reason many people might mistakenly see these two in different ways is that healthcare is provided for the two types separately, meaning you go to see a physician for your “health issues,” while you visit a dentist to address an “oral health issue”. However, although these two divisions of care might be separated by practice, they are of equal importance when it comes to medical science. They should instead be seen as two sides of the same coin as they correlate with each other greatly. Read on to learn more and to better understand just how oral health and your overall wellness is connected:
The link between these two types of care is a physical connection primarily. After all, your mouth is an ideal place for bacteria to thrive. At any given moment, there are upwards of six million bacteria in the human mouth. They are mostly harmless when good oral hygiene is practiced. However, when oral health is neglected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and eventually spread to the entire body, negatively impacting overall wellness.
The Mayo Clinic studies suggest that inflammation and oral bacteria along with gum disease contribute to various serious conditions. The following conditions have all been associated with poor oral health:
Preventative care can make all the difference in the progression of gum diseases and oral issues. It can also help reduce the risk associated with pregnancy complications, diabetes, and other diseases. In addition, having good dental health can also improve self-esteem by making you feel better about your overall appearance. Of course, good oral health extends beyond improved well-being. These other factors can impact more than just wellness or health; they can also have real-world consequences, such as the following:
The following list will give you a good idea of what to look for in terms of poor oral health. If you notice any of these signs, you are likely experiencing some negative consequences of unhealthy teeth and gums:
Thankfully, while the picture that poor oral health paints is bleak, regular preventative dental care can in many cases erase this negative impact and reduce the risk of health issues associated with poor oral health. Most oral conditions and dental diseases are preventable through regular cleanings, dental visits, and certain measures like dental sealants. In fact, stats show that for every dollar that is spent on preventative dental care, between $8 and $50 can be saved on the costs of emergency treatments or restorative care.
You need to be seeing a dental provider regularly to enjoy all the benefits of preventive, regular dental care. It’s understandable that you might avoid this type of care simply due to its cost. Thankfully, though, dental insurance can help reduce that out-of-pocket impact, giving you the ability to invest in good oral health. Research by NADP found that those who had dental benefits were more likely to go to the dentist for preventative and restorative dental care when compared to those without this type of coverage.
Unlike many medical insurance policies that only cover treatments once a condition is found, many dental plans focus on preventive checkups and basic procedures like filling cavities. This means that you are more likely to visit the dentist regularly when you have coverage for many of the preventive measures that can in turn prevent you from needing additional care or even ending up in the hospital as a complication of oral disease or more. Contact us today to learn more about how you can begin prioritizing your dental health care and promote good dental hygiene through regular visits.
