How proper oral health boosts your well-being

There’s been an undeniable drop in good oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey from the American Association of Endodontists, more than half of Americans said coronavirus concerns have caused them to delay regular dental checkups.

Worse, 31% said they were snacking more on sugary foods. About a quarter reported brushing their teeth later in the morning (or not at all). Both habits can have negative long-term effects on your health. Making matters worse, some pandemic measures seem to have directly contributed to poor oral health.

Continue reading to learn more about how a healthy mouth can contribute to overall well-being and what steps you can take to practice good dental hygiene.

Risks to your oral health

Your mouth contains billions of bacteria, but most of them are beneficial. Good bacteria help break down food and protect your body from more harmful microbes. But if you don’t take care of your oral health, those nastier species of bacteria can cause decay.

Tooth decay

When bacteria grow and reproduce they can form a sticky, yellowy substance called plaque. Plaque eats away at your teeth’s protective enamel coating. Damage to your enamel usually isn’t irreversible. If the damage is extensive enough — like in the form of cavities — it can be permanent.

This is just one reason why it’s critical to attend regular dental checkups.

Gum disease

One of the most common oral health problems is gingivitis. This inflammation of the gums is caused by excessive plaque buildup. Extreme cases of gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, an infection characterized by inflammation of the jaw.

Practicing good dental hygiene and regular dentist visits keeps these harmful bacteria in check. It also ensures your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy.

Impact on your overall health

Many people don’t know that proper dental hygiene is also linked to good overall health. Keeping your teeth and gums clean contributes to a healthy immune system, which can better protect your body against pathogens.

Your immune system is great at identifying and removing foreign microbes. But if your immune system is overwhelmed, it can break down and cause you to get sick. Once bacteria are settled between your teeth and gums, it can easily expand and spread to other parts of your body. Inhaling bacteria in your mouth can lead to health problems like pneumonia.

Oral hygiene and chronic illness

Poor dental health has been linked to a number of serious lifestyle diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic. While practicing good hygiene won’t prevent these diseases by itself, it can help reduce your risk.

Tips for better oral health

Keep a good dental care routine

The easiest and most effective way to boost your oral health is to brush and floss regularly. The American Dental Association (ADA) says people should brush their teeth twice a day for optimal health. Once in the morning and once at night.

The quality of your brushing matters, too. Spending around two minutes brushing is usually plenty. And make sure you’re gently scrubbing every tooth. The ADA also recommends flossing your teeth at least once a day to break down plaque between your teeth.

Healthy dieting

Bacteria form plaque by feeding on saliva, food particles and sugar. Poor dietary habits can encourage plaque buildup, so it’s important to limit foods high in sugar. These foods can promote the growth of bacteria in high amounts. Many foods contain at least some sugar, so a healthy diet should work in conjunction with a good cleansing routine.

In addition to reducing sugar, consuming nutritious foods can actively promote oral health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals that help reduce cell damage. They can also protect your gums and teeth from decay and disease.

Schedule regular dental checkups

Finally, it’s important to schedule regular dentist visits at least once every six months. Professionally trained dentists will conduct a full examination of your mouth, tongue and throat to identify any potential health problems. They’ll also do a cleaning that gives you a deep, thorough scrub to remove plaque and bacteria better than regular brushing and flossing.

Even during the pandemic, it’s important to keep your regularly scheduled dentist visits to ensure your oral health doesn’t suffer.

Ameritas is here for you

Taking good care of your mouth can help lead to a healthier life. Understanding what you can do to improve your dental hygiene is an essential step for your overall well-being.

We offer dental insurance plans that help you and your family pay for the dental services you need to stay healthy. Find out more today.