As we often highlight, a healthy mouth is an essential part of maintaining overall health. It is a gateway to systemic diseases, including heart conditions and even mental health disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are some of the ways healthy teeth relate to the rest of your body, as well as the importance of regular dental check-ups to prevent and allow timely diagnosis of oral cancer, HPV in the mouth and tongue, or throat conditions.
Self-esteem and self-image
Having a well-aligned, healthy smile improves not only your appearance but also your self-confidence. A more harmonious facial structure enhances self-awareness and positively affects how you interact with the world around you.
Easy communication
Missing teeth or bad breath can make us feel insecure when speaking in public and may affect pronunciation. A healthy mouth improves communication, making speech clearer and more effective, and enhancing the quality of our interactions.
Chewing properly and enjoying your meals
Healthy teeth allow us to bite food properly, enjoy different textures, and enhance our perception of flavors. Did you know that our teeth play an important role in sensory perception?
Better nutrition intake
When we are able to consume a wide variety of foods, the nutritional impact of our diet improves, benefiting the immune system.
Better rest
Aligned teeth and a balanced bite contribute to better breathing without obstructions, reducing snoring and improving sleep quality.
Lung protection
Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents bacteria from being aspirated into the lungs, reducing the risk of serious conditions such as pneumonia.
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly. Gum disease can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Fertility
Believe it or not, oral health can also affect fertility. In women, gum disease may make it more difficult to conceive, while in men it can impact sperm quality and overall sperm health.
A healthy pregnancy
Good oral health is a positive indicator of a healthy pregnancy. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent complications and improves the chances of full-term development and healthy birth weight.
Longevity
Some studies suggest that the number of remaining teeth may be related to a person’s overall life expectancy.
In conclusion
Visiting your dentist regularly helps you stay informed about your oral health and plays an important role in preventing and identifying other related systemic diseases.