Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Did you know that maintaining oral hygiene is as important as maintaining your overall well-being? And that having poor oral health can negatively impact your health and may give rise to several health complications, that can even be of serious concern?
No? Well, you’re at the right place then. This article will help you understand the connection between poor oral health and your general well-being, as well as the necessary measures that can help in improving your oral hygiene.
Additionally, you’ll also learn about some Ayurvedic herbs that can help in promoting oral health along with overall health.
Importance of oral health
The body is full of trillions of bacteria that play both roles – benefitting and harming the health.
These bacteria also teem in the mouth, and still, some people often tend to ignore the importance of oral health, willingly in some cases and unwillingly in others.
But, one should not forget that the mouth is the entry point of the body. The buildup of cavities and plaque can mix with the bloodstream and may affect the functioning of other organs.
Now, before we learn about the connection between oral health and general health, let us first understand some most important benefits of oral hygiene and tips that can help in maintaining good oral health.
Important benefits of oral hygiene
- Gives you a bright and beautiful smile
- Keeps cavities and gum diseases at bay
- Stops bad breath
- Lowers healthcare costs
- Reduces the chances of getting affected by serious ailments
Tips to maintain good oral hygiene
- Avoid tobacco products
- Avoid going to bed without brushing your teeth
- Brush at least twice a day (for around two minutes)
- Brush slowly and use a soft toothbrush
- Don’t forget to clean your tongue
- Eat more nutrient-rich foods and vegetables
- Drink plenty of water (approximately two to three litres a day)
- Limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods
- Increase the intake of calcium-rich foods and supplements. They can help in strengthening your enamel (hard outer shell of the tooth), protecting your teeth from erosion and cavities
Now that you have a good insight into the importance of oral hygiene and how to maintain good oral health, let us learn about the connection between poor oral health and various health issues.
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases and oral health? That sounds confusing, right? But yes, it is true. The bacteria and other germs present in the mouth can travel through the body via saliva or with foods and fluids.
They can then move into the bloodstream, causing blood vessel inflammation and blood clots which can block the artery.
A blocked artery can slow down the process of blood pumping from the heart and may give rise to cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attacks.
Pneumonia
The bacteria present in the teeth continue to grow and multiply. They can then travel to your lungs too, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory complications.
Thus, it is important to brush your teeth regularly to remove these bacteria from the mouth.
According to studies, lung complications as a result of poor oral hygiene is predominantly in people with fewer teeth, more plaque, and more cavities.
Diabetes
Diabetes can contribute to poor oral health. The condition arises because diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infections, which can affect the health of gums. It can cause symptoms which include:
- Dry mouth, which may even lead to soreness, mouth ulcers, infections and tooth decay
- Gum disease which causes gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Slow healing of oral tissues
Therefore, it is important to take necessary measures to manage diabetes while maintaining good oral health.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones drastically. The condition can cause loss of bone density and may lead to dental ailments.
Furthermore, osteoporosis medicines can also lead to compromised gum health.
This condition may cause dryness in the mouth. If you are suffering from this condition and notice any changes in oral health, consult your doctor and take all the necessary preventive measures to manage the condition.
Alzheimer’s disease
Studies show that a person who does not make any effort to maintain good oral health may be at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While chewing foods or drinking fluids, the bacteria present in the teeth can travel inside and mix with the bloodstream.
These cavities causing bacteria can then enter the brain via the blood and may give rise to conditions like Alzheimer’s.
It is important to know that this is a very slow and rare condition, and it can be prevented by taking steps to improve oral hygiene.
Now that we’ve covered the importance of good dental health and the connection between oral and general health, continue reading to learn about some Ayurvedic herbs that can help in improving dental health, as well as promoting overall well-being.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most easily available and healthy herbs. It contains an active compound called curcumin which is loaded with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, which provide a host of health benefits.
These properties of turmeric also make it potent for the treatment of periodontal diseases and can even protect you from several other complications related to the gums.
Ginger
Ginger can help brighten your smile. Surprising, right? Well, you won’t be surprised once you understand how?
Ginger provides several health benefits which also include improving oral health. This Ayurvedic herb is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which prevent the onset of harmful bacteria while reducing tooth pain.
Here are a few benefits that ginger provides for good oral health:
- Aids in removing plaque
- Keeps cavities at bay
- Improves gum tissue health
- Prevents gum diseases such as gingivitis
- Relieves gum and toothaches temporarily
- May protect from inflammatory oral ailments
Fenugreek (methi)
Loaded with antidiabetic and antioxidants properties that help in improving overall well-being, fenugreek is an excellent herb that can also reduce the chances of getting affected by gum illnesses like periodontal diseases and gingivitis.
Fenugreek also helps in getting rid of bad breath and benefits your health in a variety of other ways.
Coral (Praval Pishti)
Besides beautifying your living room, Coral is also an excellent ingredient used in Ayurveda that provides a host of benefits for your overall well-being.
Corals are loaded with anti-inflammatory, digestive, antimicrobial, anti-arthritic, and antacid properties that not only benefit oral hygiene but are also highly effective against a host of other ailments.
Taking prescribed amounts of Praval Pishti helps in reducing the risk of oral infections while improving gum health and preventing tooth decay.
Final thoughts
Your oral health has a direct impact on your overall well-being and thus it’s prudent for you to pay attention to the above-mentioned tips and suggestions. Remember, a healthy mouth means, a healthy you.
Besides maintaining good oral hygiene, it’s also vital that you keep a check on your over health by opting for regular health checkups.
They not only give you a comprehensive insight into your well-being but also alert you to any issues that might aggravate serious medical conditions.
