It’s August. It’s time for the kids to get back to school and the weather to think about cooling down. But did you know that August is also National Wellness Month? You can take this opportunity to evaluate how well you are taking care of your body and make necessary changes in your routine for improved health. Although it may not be your first thought, your oral health plays an important roll in your overall well-being. Keep reading this post to learn how your dentist in Westhampton can help you stay healthier in the long term.
Importance of Oral Health
Your mouth serves critical functions for your body, including intaking your food and water. Without strong teeth, you wouldn’t be able to chew and digest healthy foods, and without healthy gums, your teeth wouldn’t stay firmly in place in order to grind food. It’s important to take care of your mouth simply to make sure you can continue fueling your body! However, studies have proven that oral health has an even larger impact. For instance, untreated cavities can affect your ability to focus and learn: children who have poor oral health (e.g., cavities) tend to earn lower grades than those with good oral health.
The Relationship between Oral Health and Wellness
Your mouth is the doorway to the rest of your body in many ways. Oral conditions that originate in the mouth can contribute to health issues elsewhere in your body. For example, research shows that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can increase your odds of developing heart disease, Alzheimer’s, pancreatic cancer, and other serious medical conditions. Gum disease also significantly raises the risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event like a stroke or heart attack by causing inflammation and constricting blood flow.
Healthy Oral Habits
How can you make sure that your mouth stays healthy? Implement simple habits into your routine, including the following:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice every day.
- Flossing your teeth at least once every day.
- Visiting the dentist twice every year for a checkup and cleaning.
If you do these things, you’re more likely to prevent infections like gum disease and keep your smile strong for many years to come. However, there are even more healthy habits that will benefit not just your mouth but your entire body:
- Drink more water to rinse away harmful bacteria.
- Consume less sugar to limit bacterial growth in your mouth.
- Use a daily antimicrobial mouthwash.
Although National Wellness Month is a great time to concentrate on healthy routines, you shouldn’t stop once August is over. Oral health requires consistent effort that you need to continue. That way, your healthy smile can last your entire lifetime. To learn more about caring for your oral health, contact your dentist.
About the Practice
Beach Dental has three dentists, each of whom has years of experience and training. They are dedicated to helping patients in Westhampton improve their oral health and overall well-being through various services, ranging from simple checkups and cleanings to complex restorative services. To schedule an appointment with Beach Dental, you can call (631) 325-0731 or click here.