When most people think of our overall health, they don’t consider dental health. This could be due to our lack of understanding of oral care or because many of us don’t like going to the dentist. But this mindset has to change, as poor dental health can lead to serious physical and mental issues. That’s why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly and practice good oral healthcare practices.
Why is Dental Health so Important?
The health of your teeth significantly impacts all facets of your day-to-day life. Various physical and mental aspects can take a real toll on how you feel if you don’t properly care for your dental health.
Physical Aspects of Poor Dental Health
Serious Oral Health Issues
Problems with your teeth, gums, or mouth left untreated can lead to more serious oral health issues. Everything from cavities to cancer can occur without regular visits to your dentist and without a solid oral healthcare routine. Gum disease, gingivitis, and infections are all real threats that can cause significant pain and discomfort when left untreated.
Health Issues Beyond Your Mouth
Improper oral care doesn’t just cause problems in your mouth. It can lead to other serious health concerns. Cardiovascular disease is a significant concern if your gums become inflamed. The bacteria found in your mouth can find its way into your bloodstream and potentially cause your arteries to build up plaque that can harden. Kidney disease, repository infections and pregnancy complications are also examples of the potential health risks associated with inadequate oral care.
Nutrition
If our mouth or our teeth are in pain the type and quality of our foods and how we eat those foods are impacted. We may back away from cold or hot foods or stick to things that don’t involve as much chewing. This change in our diet can lead to other health complications and alter our relationship with food overall.
Mental Aspects of Poor Dental Health
Self-Confidence and Our Mental Health
Smiling is a crucial element of how we communicate with others. It lets them know if what they are saying to us is funny or entertaining. Smiling also alerts others to how we feel and can make us more approachable. Not smiling and lacking the confidence to be ourselves around others can severely affect our mental health.
A Lack of Socializing
Even the biggest introverts need to be around other people every now and then. Not feeling confident in your smile or how your teeth look can limit the amount you want to be around others. This can mean turning down social invites or not going to the places you want to go to because of how your teeth and mouth look or feel.
Depression
For reasons previously mentioned, a lack of confidence and being around friends can lead to depression and overall feelings of sadness. These feelings can snowball. Poor dental health can lead to us not build the crucial relationships and bonds with others that lead to our happiness.
Is your dental health causing you other physical or mental health problems? Contact the caring and professional team at Escarpment View Dental today to book an appointment or to learn more about the importance of dental health.