words Al Woods
When it comes to common adages, it’s hard to know what to trust and what to neglect. Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Do you need to visit a chiropractor every year if you work a desk job, even if you feel no pain? Or is that a business tactic designed to make you feel obligated to spend money?
When it comes to visiting the dentist and how frequently, many people have a lot of questions about what is necessary and why it’s necessary. The following will explore a few vital details regarding the connection between dental care and your overall health in order to help you understand why visiting the dentist is so important for your health.
Everything Is Connected
Slowly, the old medical view is dying out, and a new one that understands the interconnectedness of the body is taking its place. The philosophy of holistic dentistry and the term holistic, quite simply, (despite any preconceived notions you have about it) refers to the idea that most things are part of larger systems. A holistic approach to your oral health involves understanding that your oral health is intrinsically linked with other elements of your health, so much so that you can study your oral health and be informed about the rest of your health. Likewise, problems in your dental health can influence other areas of your body.
Gum Disease Is Inflammation
Inflammation is a bodily response that, if chronic, can play a role in many of the scarier chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and asthma. Symptoms of inflammation include pain, heat, redness, swelling, and immobility. Gum disease is a type of inflammation and should be treated with as much attention as chronic inflammation in other parts of your body. Gum disease and other forms of oral inflammation can be managed and even prevented with regular dental visits. When looking for a qualified professional, consider seeking out a Medicaid Dentist if you cannot otherwise afford dental care. Thankfully, many insurance and healthcare plans are beginning to recognize the interconnectedness of oral health with other facets of your health, making it easier to get the care you need.
Gum Disease Is Linked To Heart Disease
It might seem counterintuitive, but gum disease is strongly linked to heart disease. If your body struggles to deal with the burden of inflammation, whether that inflammation is caused by the common American diet or from gum disease, you might experience the negative repercussions outside your mouth. A Harvard study even found that people who have gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer a stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular events.
Pregnancy And Birth Considerations
Periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease, has been connected with premature births and lower birth rates. If you are considering conceiving or trying, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist beforehand to deal with any potential issues that are found.
Breath Is A Cue From Your Body
Bad breath isn’t something that you should simply deal with. People don’t naturally have revolting breath. This is a message from your body that something is awry. Yes, if you’re suffering from bad breath, you can turn to gum or mints to cover it up, but you still need to address the root cause of the problem. It turns out this can be a lot of things. It can indicate infections in your mouth, mouth, nose, or throat conditions, certain cancers, metabolic disorders, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Of course, bad breath can be caused by a particular meal or tobacco product, but if you haven’t eaten something that could explain the breath, a visit with your dentist is one of the necessary steps you need to take to discern what the problem is and what you need to do about it.
As a side note, some medications cause bad breath either directly or indirectly by causing dry mouth. If you’ve been informed by your doctor that this is a side effect and are willing to accept it in exchange for the benefits of your medication, by all means, carry on. If the symptom is negatively impacting your quality of life, speak to your doctor about alternative medications or options. Contrary to popular belief, you shouldn’t have to suffer terrible symptoms forever if you want to treat a medical condition. If you speak to multiple doctors, you will likely find an alternative approach that could spare you the suffering.
The above information should have outlined just a few of the ways your dental health is linked to your overall health. Given how connected everything is, it’s a good idea to focus on your oral health. This involves proper brushing and flossing, being aware of the impact foods, drinks, and lifestyle choices can have on your mouth, and visiting a dentist that understands the holistic approach to oral healthcare.
