Even though you visit the dentist for your teeth and the doctor for the rest of your body, it’s all connected in one ecosystem. Your overall health has a huge effect on your dental health – and vice versa.
But how are these two interconnected physical systems impacting each other? What are the threats to your health that can affect your teeth and gums? Are there any lifestyle habits that you can change that would positively impact your overall health – including your teeth?
This article will teach you what you need to know about the risks to your health and what you can do to improve your overall physical self – including your teeth.
Threats to Your Dental Health
Did you know that there are studies showing obesity is negatively linked to gum disease? It’s true; as far back as 2015, studies were coming out that correlated being overweight with having periodontal disease. In fact, gum disease and obesity are two of the most common health problems all around the world. While we’re not yet sure exactly why being overweight is bad for your gums, it’s clear that diet and exercise are important to your health.
Another health risk that affects both your body and your teeth, is smoking. You’ve seen the commercials about the correlation between using tobacco products and cancer but may not have considered that smoking also causes gum diseases. Studies have been released that show smokers are three to six times more prone to advanced gum disease than people that don’t smoke. They also lose the bone around their teeth more quickly, making it harder to maintain their teeth as they age. Smoking causes the tissues in your mouth to be less likely to heal, something that contributes to mouth disease in general.
Oral piercings can actually contribute to a lot of teeth and mouth problems. While it may be a cool form of self-expression, we see a lot of cracked teeth, gum recession, and loose teeth.
Of course, what you eat affects your overall health. Perhaps we’re stating the obvious, but eating too much sugar or processed foods can cause obesity and other health problems – including tooth decay. So, now that we know the things we’re doing that negatively affect our health, including our teeth, what can we do to improve?
Healthy Body, Healthy Teeth
Losing weight and quitting smoking are two of the most difficult, yet most important steps you can take to improve your overall health and the health of your teeth and gums. Today, there are all kinds of resources for people struggling to lose weight, from the corner gym to Weight Watchers, and even physician-supervised weight loss clinics. There are also physician-assisted programs to stop smoking. We support these programs and believe they’re an important step toward improving the lives of our patients.
As part of the “new you,” why not schedule that next oral exam and dental cleaning? A fresh, clean mouth can make you feel better and get you back on the road toward overall health. Contact us today and let’s get started toward a better YOU.