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Your teeth play an important role in your overall health

GEHA | February 20, 2019

Oral health

Keeping your teeth healthy can decrease your chances of get various medical conditions.

Did you know that good dental health is an important part of good overall health?

Teeth help us chew and digest food, talk and pronounce sounds clearly, and help give our face its shape. A healthy smile can be a great asset so it makes sense to take care of your teeth.

Tooth decay can be painful and lead to fillings, crowns or inlays. If not treated the nerve of the tooth can become infected and die. Treatment for this could be a root canal or tooth removal. If gum disease is untreated, it could lead to bone loss in your jaw around the tooth, requiring tooth removal.

The bacteria in your mouth is mostly harmless. Your body’s natural defenses and good dental health care can keep these bacteria under control.

Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. Poor dental care can play a role in some diseases and lower the body’s resistance to infection. Dental health might contribute to various diseases and conditions including cardiovascular disease and premature birth.

It’s easy to have a clean and healthy mouth. A simple routine can help prevent most dental problems:

Avoid tobacco use
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks
Floss daily
Limit sugary foods and drinks
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings

Taking care of your dental health is an investment in your overall health.

Sources:
“Caring for my teeth.” DentalHealth.org, Oral Health Foundation, 2019.
“Oral health: A window to your overall health.” MayoClinic.org, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 1 November 2018.