Brushing and flossing your teeth may save you extra sessions in the dentist’s chair each year, but the benefits of dental hygiene do not end with pearly whites. In fact, there’s a direct correlation between oral hygiene and overall health.

Oral health offers clues about overall health, advises the Mayo Clinic. When a dentist or hygienist checks a person’s mouth, he or she is getting a window into that person’s overall wellness — including if something is amiss. 

Dental hygiene matters because, without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth can grow unchecked. Over time, that bacteria can infiltrate and break down the soft tissues in the gums and teeth, eventually leading to decay and gum disease. Greenwood Dental Care in Illinois states that the bacteria from the mouth could travel into the bloodstream and elsewhere, causing a host of issues.

“Oral health and overall health are interconnected, and an unhealthy mouth can lead to systemic diseases,” said Dr. Neeharika Bhashyam of Park Dental in Big Lake. “Studies have shown that the health of the mouth is a good indicator of overall health, and oral health problems can have a significant impact on systemic health.

For example, gum disease, which is a common oral health problem, has been linked to several systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

“This is because gum disease can cause inflammation throughout the body, which can contribute to the development and progression of these diseases,” says Bhashyam. “Similarly, oral infections, such as tooth decay and abscesses, can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems. For instance, an infected tooth can cause an abscess, which can spread to the jawbone, neck, or brain and cause serious infections.”

Additionally, poor oral health can also have a significant impact on overall health by affecting the quality of life. 

“For example, oral health problems such as missing or decayed teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer can cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, leading to decreased self-esteem and reduced quality of life,” says Bhashyam. “Regular visits to the dentist, along with a good oral hygiene routine, can help maintain good oral health and prevent oral health problems from developing.”

Stephanie Gruenes of Center For Cosmetic Dentistry has her tips and ideas.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body.  It is true that poor oral health can lead to multiple health problems.  A few of these medical conditions include: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low birth weight babies and compromised immunity.  Diabetes is more difficult to manage in the presence of gum disease.  The bacteria that contribute to gum disease or cavities can create significant issues elsewhere in our bodies.”

Gruenes says the advances in technology have opened the door to better dentistry today and in the future.

“The use of scanners inside the mouth have reduced the need for traditional dental impressions and gives the ability to make some crowns in our office,” she says.  “There is significant value to use cameras and photographs to show what conditions exist in the mouth and how they can be improved. Lasers are also utilized for contouring gum tissues or even removing decay!  We can also integrate our technology with the technology of other specialists, which expands our possibilities.” 

Here’s a deeper look at some of the correlations between oral health and overall health, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.

• Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from the mouth or another part of the body spread through the bloodstream, they can attach to certain areas of the heart. This causes an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.

• Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

• Cardiovascular disease: While it’s not fully understood why, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease may be linked to inflammation and infection caused by oral bacteria.

• Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth may be pulled into the lungs, where it can lead to respiratory illness, such as pneumonia.

Advances in Dentistry

In the last 10 years, there have been several advances in dentistry that have improved the overall satisfaction and comfort of patients who visit the dentist. Some of these advancements include: Digital Dentistry: Digital dentistry has revolutionized the way dental procedures are performed. With digital technologies such as digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) systems, dentists are now able to diagnose and treat dental problems more accurately and efficiently.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Many dental procedures can now be performed with minimally invasive techniques, reducing discomfort and post-operative pain for patients. For example, dental implants can now be placed with less invasive surgical techniques, and the use of laser dentistry has made many procedures less painful and more precise.

Pain Management Techniques: Advances in pain management techniques have improved the comfort of patients during dental procedures. For example, the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, and local anesthetics has made dental procedures much more comfortable for patients.

Improved Dental Materials: New and improved dental materials, such as resin composites, ceramic crowns, and tooth-colored fillings, have improved the comfort and appearance of dental restorations. These materials are more biocompatible, durable, and esthetic than the materials used in the past.

Advanced Cleaning Techniques: The development of advanced cleaning techniques, such as ultrasonic scalers and air polishing systems, has made the process of cleaning teeth much more comfortable and effective. These techniques are less invasive and less painful than traditional cleaning methods, and they allow dentists to remove plaque and tartar more effectively.

“Overall, these advances in dentistry have improved the patient experience and made dental procedures more comfortable and effective,” says Bhashyam. “With these advancements, patients can now receive the dental care they need with less anxiety and discomfort.”

Importance of Mouthwash

While brushing and flossing are important for maintaining good oral health, using a mouthwash can provide additional benefits and complement the cleaning effects of brushing and flossing. Here are a few reasons why mouthwash can be important for oral health:

Enhances Plaque Removal: Mouthwash can help remove plaque and food particles from areas in the mouth that may be difficult to reach with brushing and flossing. This can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Freshens Breath: Mouthwash can help neutralize unpleasant odors in the mouth, leaving the breath smelling fresh and clean.

Reduces Bacteria: Certain mouthwashes contain antibacterial agents that can help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of gum disease and oral infections.

Reduces Inflammation: Some mouthwashes contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that can help reduce gum inflammation and promote overall gum health.

Provides Additional Benefits: Depending on the type of mouthwash, it can provide additional benefits such as reducing tooth sensitivity, remineralizing the teeth, or brightening the teeth.

“The mechanical process of cleaning teeth (brushing, flossing, using brushes in between teeth) is the most effective at removing plaque and bacteria,” says Gruenes.  “Tongue scraping removes debris from the tongue surface too!  Some mouthwashes are a great adjunct to help with specific things like adding low doses of fluoride to teeth to help with decay risk and sensitivities (ACT) and other mouthwashes will fight bacteria and bleeding (Listerine).  Many other mouthwashes are for breath freshening only.”

It is important to note that not all mouthwashes are the same and different mouthwashes may provide different benefits. For example, some mouthwashes are designed to freshen breath, while others are designed to help fight gum disease. It is important to choose a mouthwash that is appropriate for your oral health needs.

In conclusion, while brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health, using a mouthwash can provide additional benefits and complement the cleaning effects of brushing and flossing. It is important to choose a mouthwash that is appropriate for your oral health needs and to use it regularly as directed by your dentist.

Individuals should make oral health a priority, as it has a significant effect on their overall health and well-being.