You may think of dental care and oral care as two different things. It is true that you go to the dentist for oral care and go to the doctor for general healthcare. It is also true, however, that the health of your mouth is inextricably linked to the overall health of your body. Issues with your teeth and gums can potentially lead to issues in other areas of your health. Pain, gum disease, and untreated oral infection can all have an impact on your overall health. Proper dental care is a way for you to protect against these issues and avoid secondary issues from occurring.

Poor oral health can lead to pain

Poor oral health can lead to issues such as decay and gum disease. If you do not get the dental care you need, decay and gum disease will eventually lead to severe pain. Decay is a progressive issue that will continue to eat away at your teeth until you take action against it. As the decay spreads, your tooth will become more sensitive and the pain will intensify. Gum disease is also progressive. The earliest stage of gum disease – gingivitis – comes with mild symptoms that can typically be reversed with improved oral hygiene. If gingivitis is not reversed it will eventually progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis can be painful and come with serious side effects such as tooth loss. Experiencing pain because of poor oral health can impact your emotional and physical health. Dealing with constant pain can make it difficult to concentrate, regulate your mood, and function properly throughout the day. Pain can also prevent you from sleeping well, eating right, and engaging in physical activity. Your overall well-being can be sabotaged by the pain that comes with oral issues like decay and gum disease.

Gum disease is linked to other health problems

Gum disease is linked to a number of serious physical health problems. Some of the physical issues that are linked to gum disease include heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. These issues seem to happen in conjunction with one another. Getting proper care for your gums is an important part of caring for your overall health.

An untreated oral infection can spread to other areas

Proper dental care can help you avoid serious infections in your teeth and mouth. Sometimes an infection in a tooth can occur as the result of injury or decay. If left untreated, the infection can potentially spread to other areas of your body including your jaw, head, and neck. Getting professional care for an abscess or infection is the best way for you to prevent an oral infection from spreading elsewhere.

There is no way to separate the health of your gums and teeth from your general healthcare. Taking care of the health of your gums and teeth is an important part of caring for your overall health. A high-quality oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and going to preventative dental appointments is the best way to properly care for your oral health.