West:
West:
When thinking about our bodies and our mental health – we may think about what most often effects our mental health. We know when we eat good food, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly that we feel good and are contributing positive things to our mental health.
When we don’t do those things, they can have a negative effect on our mental health. But did you know that our oral health and our mental health are also directly linked? In fact, according to the US Library of Medicine…
“People with severe mental illness have 2.7 times the likelihood of losing all their teeth, compared with the general population.”
While we need to take care of our bodies by eating well, etc., we also need to care for our teeth and gums to contribute to our mental health and keep our bodies healthy, that’s why we want to focus this blog on mental health awareness.
What to know about Oral Health and Mental Health, according to WebMD.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. Not all of it is bad bacteria, but when the bad bacteria get out of hand, it can wreak havoc on more than just our mouths. Excess bacteria can go into our gut and into our bloodstreams, making us feel bad and effecting our mental health. Bacteria can also lead to gum disease, which is a form of inflammation.
Basically, when our immune system is fighting all that excess bacteria and inflammation in our bodies, it becomes weaker, which can lead to depression and other mental illnesses. Certain studies have also concluded that some oral infections have led to a decrease in cognitive function.
Related Articles:
Stress can also be a factor in your oral health. When we have anxiety or stress, we may forget to take care of our teeth or we may not see our dentist regularly. Anxiety can also increase your teeth grinding, and people with anxiety are more prone to canker sores and dry mouth, which often lead to excess bacteria in the mouth.
Related Article: Stress Affects Oral Health: Are You Clenching or Grinding While You Sleep
Learn more about how Your Oral Health and Mental Health are Connected.
The simplest step to maintaining your oral health is to brush twice a day and floss once a day. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis is also one of the best things you can do for your health. Your dentist is your first line of defense and they often can catch the first signs of disease and help you stay on top of your oral health.
Knowing that our oral health is linked to our overall health, the importance of brushing and flossing just went up! Simply put, a healthy mouth can help keep your body healthy and ward off certain diseases. Who knew our mouth could do so much good for us?
The mouth is a great window to the rest of your body, so when you visit us at Adams Dental, we can take a peek into your overall health during your regular dental cleanings and exams. This could save you money, time, and health down the road. When your dentist can catch a problem early, there’s a much better chance of figuring out what’s going on and treating it early, with a higher success rate. Oftentimes, dentists can detect warning signs before we experience any symptoms. Actually, oral health is an easy way to boost your immune system, learn more HERE.
Brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist can protect you from more than just cavities. Learn more about the mouth body connection from WebMD, Overall Health and Oral Health.
Gum disease has been linked with multiple health complications, including stroke and heart disease, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Similar research shows that 90 percent of all systematic diseases have oral manifestations. This means that diseases that involve most of our body often show symptoms and signs in our mouth. These often take the form of:
At the University of North Carolina, studies found that people with gum disease were three times as likely to have a stroke and twice as likely to die from a heart attack. Those are some scary statistics. But the good news is, your dentist is here to help and knows exactly what to look for to keep you healthy and safe! Let us do the legwork and check your overall health – make an appointment today!
Related Article: Why Do I Need to have a Dental Exam Every 6 Months?
Learn more from Delta Dental about the mouth body connection: Healthy Smile, Healthy You.
Now that you know more about the connection between mental health awareness and oral health, you realize why Dental Health is Important to Your Overall Health. So many times Dentists are the ones that are able to diagnose disease before you notice any symptoms. The Team at Adams Dental Group wants YOU and your family to get the best oral care possible, so you and your family can be healthy and happy!
Local dentist, Travis A. Roberts and his experienced, friendly team at Adams Dental Group offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Kansas City, KS area. We have two locations that are conveniently located and offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Adams Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Call us at our West location (913) 296-8030 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Travis A. Roberts, DDS May 25th, 2021
Posted In: Dental Health Tips
Tags: dental exam, gum disease, oral health
