As school begins and routines get established, it’s important for families to make a commitment to good oral hygiene habits. These healthy habits, such as brushing and flossing, can help prevent dental cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. They may even reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and pre-term births.
Oral health is an integral part of overall wellness, and good oral care leads to lifelong health. Poor oral health is linked to a number of serious illnesses and diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It also can lead to a loss of function, discomfort and reduced quality of life.
Good oral and dental health starts early on, and the habits learned are often carried throughout life. Brushing and flossing regularly at home, and visiting a dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups can prevent or detect issues such as tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease. These early detections can limit the damage done to teeth and can save money on expensive treatments.
Despite being largely preventable, oral diseases still represent a major global burden and have an impact on people across the world. They affect the most vulnerable, and are highly correlated with a range of other chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. They are also influenced by the same underlying behavioral risks as many of these other conditions: low dental attendance, smoking, high sugar intake and poor diets.
People who are living longer and with a greater diversity of health problems require a new approach to healthcare that spans all stages of life. In addition, major social changes, such as globalization and urbanization, are contributing to a change in the patterns of health behaviors and lifestyles. This means that oral care must be considered as a vital component of a holistic health approach for everyone.
The financial costs of treating oral health problems, such as cavities or gum disease, can add up to a substantial amount over the course of a lifetime. When these problems are left untreated, they can also have other impacts on overall health and wellbeing, such as limiting the ability to eat, sleep and work.
It’s also been shown that poor oral health can have a negative effect on our mental and emotional well-being. It can cause us to have a poorer self-image and a negative impact on our relationships with others. In some cases, the pain caused by certain oral health problems, such as gingivitis or bad breath, can stop people from socializing altogether.
Oral health is an integral part of a balanced diet, and it’s important to have healthy teeth and gums as you age. In addition to brushing and flossing, eating a variety of foods, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking plenty of water are all key to good dental health. It’s also important to visit your local dentist in Northbrook regularly for cleanings and checkups, so you can catch any issues as they arise and prevent them from escalating into more severe conditions.