The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Well-Being

The human body is made up of complex systems of organs, such as the nervous system and the respiratory system, which each perform essential functions in the body. But these systems don’t work in isolation. For example, the digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and providing nutrients to various parts of the body. But it relies on the healthy functioning of the mouth and teeth in order to do its job.

With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that your oral health can have a significant impact on your overall health, and vice versa. Taking care of your teeth and gums throughout your lifetime can lower your risk of a wide range of health conditions.

Getting treatment for missing teeth, tooth decay, or other serious dental concerns can not only restore your oral health and appearance, but it can improve your total-body health in dramatic ways!

The mouth-body connection

In recent years, more attention has been paid to the connection between our mouths and our overall systemic health. For example, gum disease is a well-known risk factor for a number of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

This relationship isn’t always straightforward, and it goes both ways. Whether total-body health problems are caused by oral conditions or vice versa, it’s clear that a holistic approach to healthcare involves prioritizing both.

How oral health impacts overall health

Our mouths serve as an entry point to the rest of our bodies, allowing us to take in essential nutrition, water, and oxygen. When oral bacteria accumulate in the mouth, harmful pathogens are able to travel to other areas of the body through our digestive system and bloodstream.

Common oral infections like gum disease also lead to inflammation, which in turn weakens the immune system. That’s why keeping up with your oral care is essential. Here’s how to care for your teeth and gums:

Practice daily at-home care by brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Visit your general dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams.

How overall health impacts oral health

Just as poor oral health can impact total-body wellness, general health can also contribute to oral health problems. For example, one symptom of diabetes is excess glucose (sugar) in saliva, which can lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth and along the gumline.

But it isn’t just chronic conditions that affect oral health. Your lifestyle matters too. Healthy habits like the following can help protect your teeth and gums throughout your lifetime:

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
If you smoke, try to quit.
Get regular exercise.
Limit stress.

The health benefits of dental implants

Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to treatments for tooth loss. They can also be a permanent solution for patients with severe damage or tooth decay.

So what is a dental implant? Technically, it’s a small screw-like post (usually made from titanium) that’s inserted into the jawbone to act in place of the natural tooth root and provide the support needed for a crown or other tooth restoration.

Because implants can restore normal oral health and function so effectively, they also protect you from a number of serious health concerns. Dental implants can:

Restore your ability to chew and speak normally
Prevent nearby teeth from shifting
Help prevent bone loss and preserve jawbone health and functioning
Protect your gums from harmful bacteria, which can spread to other areas of the body
Improve your overall quality of life and restore your confidence

The importance of oral care for patients with dental implants

Implants can improve your health dramatically, but your risk of developing gum disease doesn’t just go away once you’ve had dental implants placed. Without proper care, you could be at risk of peri-implantitis – a form of gum disease that can develop around the implant site. This can ultimately lead to implant failure.

It’s always important to take proper care of your teeth and gums with daily at-home oral care and regular trips to your dentist. Fortunately, you can care for your dental implants in exactly the same way as your natural teeth!

Protect your oral and overall health with advanced dental implant treatment!

Missing, damaged, or severely decayed teeth can have a devastating effect on the state of your mouth and entire body. At Smart Arches, our dental implant specialists can provide you with the long-lasting restorative treatment you need to improve your health now and in the future.