Table of contents:
- Relationship of oral health with overall body health
- The risk of diseases arising from dental and oral health problems
- Caring for oral health to prevent health problems
- 1. Avoid foods that trigger cavities
- 2. Brush your teeth and rinse with
- 3.
- 4. Manage body health
Having healthy teeth and mouth certainly supports a healthy body. However, not many are fully aware that oral health conditions actually have an impact on the overall health of the body. Then, what might happen if oral health is not maintained properly?
Relationship of oral health with overall body health
Oral and dental health is as important as the health of other parts of the body, so teeth and mouth need to be cared for to keep them clean and healthy.
Germs easily enter the body from organs that are actively open, one of which is the oral cavity. When we eat something or even talk, there is always a chance that germs will enter through the oral cavity.
Based on Mayo Clinic, germs can stay between the teeth or the mouth area, even into the bloodstream or respiratory system. The shape is small and invisible, makes us unaware that there are germs that can sneak into the body.
Germs or bacteria that accumulate and stay in the oral cavity can cause infection of the teeth and gums. The teeth can become cavities, and the gums become inflamed, which can lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a gum infection that can harm soft tissue. In fact, if left untreated, periodontitis can develop, causing tooth loss.
The risk of diseases arising from dental and oral health problems
As for several diseases that are triggered by oral health factors, such as:
- Endocarditis, an infection located in the lining of the heart chambers or valves (endocardium), due to bacteria or germs from other parts of the body (for example germs from the mouth) that enter through the bloodstream.
- Cardiovascular disorders, although the exact link is not yet known, several studies have shown that heart problems, clogged arteries, and strokes are linked to bacterial infections in the mouth. Although not all cases are directly related to oral health.
- Lung disease, caused by certain bacteria that sneak into the lungs through the mouth and infect the respiratory system. This causes respiratory problems, such as pneumonia.
In addition, there are other conditions that also affect dental health, including:
- Diabetes, this condition can make the body easily infected, including the gums. This usually happens when blood sugar levels are difficult to control, so that people with diabetes need to pay extra attention to the health of their teeth and mouth.
- HIV / AIDSThis condition usually affects the health of the oral cavity, such as lesions or sores.
- Osteoporosis, causing bone loss, including damage to the teeth and mouth area.
Caring for oral health to prevent health problems
Based on articles from The U.S. Oral Health Workforce in the Coming Decade, oral and body health cannot be ignored, because they are closely related. When oral health is maintained and hygiene is well maintained, even if some people have comorbidities, it will certainly support the overall health of the body and minimize the possibility of complications that occur.
Therefore, you need to apply these easy ways to maintain oral health:
1. Avoid foods that trigger cavities
According to University Rochester Medical Center, here are the types and examples of foods that should be avoided because they can damage oral health:
- Sweet, sticky foods, such as sweet chocolate, candy, or foods that are added sweeteners.
- Soft drink
- Drinks that dry out your mouth, such as alcohol.
Always consume nutritious foods to improve oral health. For example, milk, yogurt, various vegetables and fruits, or green tea. In addition, don't forget to drink water to rinse the germs that live in your teeth and oral cavity.
2. Brush your teeth and rinse with
Don't forget to clean the oral cavity by brushing your teeth, so that oral health is maintained. THERE or American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day to prevent hardened plaque and endanger the health of your teeth and gums. Choose also soft bristles to prevent friction wounds on the gums when brushing.
According to ADA research, gargle with mouthwash antiseptic with ingredients essential oils can reduce plaque growth and the risk of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). You can choose mouthwash antiseptic with specifications 4 essential oils which can reduce germs that cause oral problems.
Gargle with mouthwash antiseptic, at least twice a day after brushing your teeth can help maintain optimal oral hygiene, because the mouth is one of the entry points for germs into the body.
3.
In addition to brushing your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash antiseptic, get used to doing too flossing with dental floss.
There may be dirt that is still stuck between your teeth and is difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Flossing will help you reach the hard tooth impurities that are difficult to clean. Make sure flossing carried out thoroughly between the teeth, so that oral health is well maintained.
4. Manage body health
For some people who have certain health conditions such as diabetes, HIV / AIDS. or osteoporosis, it is necessary to pay attention to the health of their teeth more carefully. Don't forget to routinely control your doctor regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle according to your doctor's recommendations. If you experience oral health problems, don't hesitate to consult a dentist so they can be resolved immediately.
Come on, do the simple methods above to maintain oral health, as well as a holistic (overall) body health. Thus, you can move comfortably and freely without complaints of dental or mouth problems.
