Overall Health

When you think of your overall health, you may not think of your teeth as part of that equation. Truth be told dental health is connected to overall health in ways you may not realize. For example, periodontal disease may be linked to heart disease, gum disease has been linked to premature births and oral disease may make diabetes more difficult to manage. Lifestyle changes that improve overall health can also lead to positive changes in your dental health. Read more for oral health overall health advice, including how to care for teeth during pregnancy, how certain diseases affect your teeth and what lifestyle habits pose oral health risks.

Q: How can I improve overall health and dental health?
A: An easy way is to maintain good overall health is to drink plenty of fluoridated water. Drinking water flushes away bacteria and decay-causing debris from your mouth. Plus, it keeps your body and mouth hydrated and improves saliva flow, both of which are essential for fighting viruses.

Q: What oral health overall health advice is essential for women?
A: If you're planning on getting pregnant, it's essential that your overall health and dental health remain at optimal levels. The former promotes a healthy pregnancy and fetus while the latter can prevent gum disease, which may be linked to premature births. Women at risk for osteoporosis may also experience a loss of bone density in the jaw, which then affects teeth. But there are some things women can do to prevent osteoporosis and thus improve overall health: eat foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus; avoid or minimize salt intake; quit smoking; and start exercising regularly.

Q: How is diabetes linked to my oral health?
A: The relationship between diabetes and gum disease is a perfect example of the oral health overall health connection. People with diabetes are more vulnerable to periodontal disease, and serious gum disease could inhibit the control of blood glucose levels and may contribute to the progression of gum disease. So if you have a systemic disease it's even more important to do things that are good for your overall health and dental health.