Bite into Health: Why Oral Care Matters More Than You Think

It has long been known that our smile is an essential part of who we are. Actress and singer Connie Stevens once said, “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” Studies show that smiling can reduce stress and boost people’s moods even when they don’t feel like smiling to begin with. It can make people seem more approachable and help them make connections with others. Besides that, smiling is contagious. When we flash a kind, happy, genuine smile at other people, it tends to lift their spirits and encourage them to follow suit. From there, there’s no limit to how far it can spread. 

Why Oral Care Is Essential

Proper oral care is the key to having a bright, beaming smile to bolster our states of mind and share our joy with others. It runs far deeper than that, though. Oral care matters a great deal more than many people may think. Take a look at some of the reasons why you should consider making a dentist appointment as soon as possible. 

Getting Adequate Nutrition

For one, oral health is crucial for getting adequate nutrition. People with poor oral health often fail to eat properly. They may struggle with meats, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and other healthy foods due to tooth pain, trouble chewing, and additional issues. As a result, they often suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Those, in turn, can lead to a long list of health problems. Dental care keeps people’s teeth and gums healthy so they can eat the right foods to help them thrive. 

Improved Heart Health

Keeping your teeth and gums in good condition is also essential for heart health. People who suffer from gum disease have an increased risk of developing heart disease, clogged arteries, endocarditis, and a variety of other cardiovascular conditions. With gum disease, bacteria that live in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, where they’re free to travel elsewhere in the body. In many cases, they make their way to the heart, where they can cause numerous problems. 

Managing Diabetes

Additionally, good oral health is crucial for people who live with diabetes. This condition makes people more susceptible to infections, such as gum disease. It can increase the risk of problems caused by bacteria entering the blood stream as well. Diabetes also weakens people’s immune systems and leaves them unable to fight off infections. At the same time, poor oral health makes managing diabetes more difficult. Those with dental issues may not be able to eat the right foods to help them keep their blood sugar under control. 

Early Detection of Serious Conditions

Finally, regular visits to the dentist can be essential for catching certain medical conditions early. Dentists often find signs of problems when examining patients’ teeth and gums, including nutritional deficiencies, immune disorders, and certain types of cancer, to name a few. When the early warning signs of those issues are uncovered during routine dental visits, patients can turn to their doctors for intervention and potentially improve their outcomes. 

Staying Healthy With Proper Oral Care

Oral care is important for keeping a healthy smile, but that barely scratches the surface. It’s also crucial for our overall health. It can lead to improved nutrition, heart health, and diabetes management, to name a few benefits. Studies show that routine dental care can also reduce the risks of cognitive decline, pregnancy complications, widespread inflammation, and a range of other issues. With all that being the case, oral care is more important than many people realize.