Long before the pandemic, society began recognizing the need of good mental health as an essential part of overall wellness. Now, we’re solidly in the post-pandemic stage of life, and what we see as vital to our health has changed even more.
Today’s wellness trends include a focus on fitness, vitamins and supplements, and mental health counseling. But what many of us don’t realize in our search for the ideal balance between mind and body is that if we don’t take care of our oral health, there’s a gap, and that gap could be dangerous.
Why should you add “oral hygiene” to your list of must-dos each day? Check out these surprising links between mouth health and overall wellness that will have you visiting your dentist and choosing to spend a little more time on your teeth and gums.
1. Oral Hygiene, Bacteria, and Your General Health
We know that bacteria, both good and bad, exist everywhere. The key to ensuring they don’t take over is to avoid the bad strains and keep the good strains in check.
It’s why we have natural safety systems like nose hairs in place. When you breathe in through your nostrils, the hair blocks particles like dust and bacteria. But you don’t have these protective hairs in your mouth, and anything can get in there.
Much of the bacteria that enters your mouth is swallowed, making its way to your respiratory and digestive system. If it is allowed to run rampant, it can lead to diseases, including tooth decay, periodontitis (gum disease), and infections that get in your bloodstream.
With proper oral hygiene habits, you can keep these bacteria under control and minimize the danger they present to your overall health.
2. Bruxism, Stress, and Your Overall Wellness
There might be an even greater reason to deal with your mental health safely than you know. Stress and anxiety could be causing you to grind your teeth without realizing it in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism.
When you brux, you’re grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw unconsciously, typically in your sleep. It doesn’t sound like too big of a deal until you learn that your jaw is strong enough to clench and grind at a force of up to 250 pounds of pressure. If your bruxism is severe enough, you could even crack or fracture a tooth.
Left untreated, general bruxing frequently leads to worn-down enamel, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and decay. Beyond your oral health, the symptoms of bruxism include:
- Jaw Pain
- Facial muscle discomfort
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches
- Ear pain
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
Anyone can be a bruxer, but it’s more common in children than adults. This could be due to the link between stress and bruxism. Children have fewer coping mechanisms to release their anxiety and fears. However, many adults cope with stress by ignoring it or have internal stress due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and fibromyalgia also make a person more susceptible to bruxism.
To eliminate bruxism, you need to get to the root of the problem, whether it’s OSA, stress, or something else. But you can reduce the damage clenching and grinding causes by wearing a quality night guard.
3. Oral Health and Other Chronic Conditions
Still not convinced? Let’s dig into the potential chronic conditions that could stem from poor oral hygiene.
When an infection in your mouth is untreated, the germs and bacteria spread through the bloodstream and can attach to the inner lining of your heart chamber or valve. This condition is called endocarditis. While rare, it can be deadly.
If you’re pregnant or thinking of having a child, your oral health is even more important. Studies show that periodontitis in the mother often leads to birth complications such as premature birth and low infant birth rate.
Are you sick often? Taking care of your oral health may help you feel better. Bacteria in your mouth can spread to your lungs, leading to respiratory diseases and increasing your risk of pneumonia.
Poor oral hygiene may also lead to chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Conclusion
Ready to add “oral hygiene” to your overall wellness activities? It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes a day to prevent the problems discussed above.
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, preferably using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Follow up with floss and mouthwash. Visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and avoid using tobacco and eating a lot of sugar or hard and sticky foods. If you’re a bruxer, use a night guard to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
With these simple tips, your mouth health won’t negatively impact the hard work you’re doing to keep your overall wellness on point.
