There is more to taking good care of your mouth than the big bright smile that everyone wants and hopes for. Your overall health can be drastically improved with good oral hygiene. Whether you hope to preserve your cognitive skills, or reduce your inflammation, studies have shown that there is a number of ways that oral health impacts our entire body. The team here at Damon Smiles has put together this list to let you know that it is never too late to start having good oral hygiene habits, and how having healthy teeth and gums can benefit your body’s total health. Read on to learn more about how orthodontics can help you make the connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.
Let Your Self-Confidence Skyrocket
Everyone knows your smile is the first thing people notice when they meet you, so if your mouth is in a state of disrepair, this can be bad news for the old ego. An unsightly mouth and very bad breath are produced by decaying teeth and gum disease. Your self-esteem, self-image, and confidence level can be easily affected by these issues. Your quality of life is guaranteed to improve if your mouth is healthy and free from gingivitis and cavities. You will find that you eat, sleep, and concentrate better with no aching teeth or mouth infections to bother you, besides being able to look into the mirror and see a big bright smile.
Memory Makers
The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, while its more advanced stage is referred to as periodontitis. There is a definite link between gum disease and cognitive function according to reports published by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. Adults who had healthier gums and mouths performed much better on cognitive and memory skills tests than those with gingivitis. Older adults with periodontitis were associated with cognitive impairment. To help reduce the buildup of bacteria in your mouth that can cause gum disease, practice regular brushing, flossing, and visits to us at Damon Smiles. Make sure to use an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste.
Decrease Infection and Inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints that research has found to be associated with gum disease. Experts have found that the mechanism that destroys connective tissue in rheumatoid arthritis is similar to the mechanism in gum disease that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Practicing excellent oral hygiene helps reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Eating a well-balanced diet will help keep inflammation and infection to a minimum in your mouth.
More Than Just a Pretty Smile
There is a misconception that the only benefit of orthodontic treatments is a straighter smile. Chewing, swallowing, nutrition, and speech can be impacted by health problems that stem from oral issues. Tooth decay, TMJ pain, and chronic headaches stem from misaligned teeth and jaws. Lasting cosmetic and health benefits are provided by orthodontic treatments that are functional with today’s busy lifestyles. The many benefits that properly aligned teeth and jaws offer are often overlooked by people who only think of orthodontic treatment in terms of straightening the teeth for a more perfect smile. Dental injuries and decay can be prevented by jaws and teeth that are aligned. Aligning the jaws and teeth also lends itself to chewing and processing food in the most effective manner.
Happy Teeth, Happy Tummy
Chewing your food is the first and most crucial step of the digestion process. Some of us barely chew our food before we swallow it, neglecting this essential step altogether. Smaller particles are more easily digested which is why chewing thoroughly is so important because it converts larger pieces of food into more manageable ones. As these pieces pass through your system, your intestines are able to absorb nutrients more easily the smaller these pieces are. The misalignment of the teeth and jaws makes it hard to properly chew up food which then will not digest as well in your stomach, and so your body has to use more energy to absorb the nutrients. You are also in danger of choking when you cannot properly chew food while you eat.
Do Not Damage Those Pearly Whites
Is biting the inside of your cheek a problem when you chew, speak, or swallow? Do you get a jarring sensation throughout your jaw and face because your teeth collide when you chew or close your mouth? Jaws that repeatedly sustain force are suffering and can cause you term problems. When teeth continuously collide they can be chipped or injured. These issues can be addressed with orthodontic treatment. Let Damon Smiles provide you with the results you need to protect your teeth, your jaws, and your smile for a lifetime.
Prevent Decay Today
Plaque accumulates easily on teeth that are overcrowded because food gets trapped between them. The enamel gets eaten away and cavities form. Because the cavities form in between teeth, they are often hard to see and are only detected after they become a big problem. A ripple effect of problems is felt throughout the mouth due to a weakened, decaying tooth’s effect on the adjacent teeth. Gum disease can develop due to the plaque build-up. To preserve the health of your gums and mouth, it is important to make it harder for plaque and cavities to form by addressing overcrowding issues.
If you are in the Sacramento area, let Damon Smiles help you achieve better oral and overall health with one of our orthodontic treatments. Our talented and experienced team can help provide you with a healthy, attractive, and functional smile. Call one of our offices today!
Posted by
Dr. Szymanowski