More than a comely smile
Perhaps everybody is aware of the value of a smile.
It generally communicates goodwill, as well as the good manners and character of the person giving it. A smile can win friends, at times even converts an adversary into an ally.
But there are people who just cannot afford to smile. Some of them are feeling unwell and find it difficult to bring a smile to their faces. Others intentionally refuse to smile, because it will only reveal an ugly mouth.
Oral hygiene is a big matter. Lack of it can undermine a person’s health and image – and consequently, the person’s prospects for a successful and happy life. People will find it hard to take seriously someone who cannot even take care of himself.
Many people have been bypassed of a job promotion because of oral hygiene issue. The problem can also present an impediment in romance. It’s a curious person who’s okay to be kissing someone with swelling gums and dirty teeth, and whose breath would make a rat feel dizzy.
Moreover, the condition of a person’s gums and teeth can reflect his overall state of health. By looking into a person’s mouth, the dentist can tell whether or not the person may be at risk for some chronic disease. New research suggests that the health of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body as a whole.
So, there’s more to good oral health than keeping one’s smile attractive. When one’s mouth is healthy, chances are his overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if one has poor oral health, she may have other health problems.
The website www.deltadentalins.com cites that research also shows that good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring. It quotes the Academy of General Dentistry that “there is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease also show higher incidences of pre-term, low birthweight babies.”
The website also cites another research that shows that “more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.” These diseases include diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and kidney trouble.
Regular visits to the dentist are important. The dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem in its early stages.
Poor oral health can lead to problems, www.deltadentalins.com points out. The website expounds that if the teeth and gums are not properly taken care of, the poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including:
Oral and facial pain. Such pain may be largely due to infection of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75 percent of the population in the U.S.
Problems with the heart and other major organs. Mouth infections can affect major organs. For example, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue.
Digestion problems. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems there can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.
Again, regular visits to the dentist can help to keep one’s mouth in top shape and allows the dentist to watch for signs that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. While having a nice smile is probably the most obvious benefit, it is not the only reason for practicing good oral hygiene.