People often go through their day without thinking about their oral health, except when they brush their teeth. However, oral health is important to many aspects of your overall health and is something you should take good care of. Dr. Edward Knight can help you find the best ways to protect your oral health. Schedule a consultation with Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI today.

What does oral health consist of?

Your oral health consists of the health of your teeth, gums, and the entirety of your oral-facial system. All these parts play a role in ensuring you can eat, speak, chew, and smile correctly. There are a number of common dental diseases that affect thousands of people each year, such as:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Cavities
  • Other dental conditions and diseases

These conditions are all related to poor oral health, so it is important that you work to make sure that you keep your dental health in good condition. Your oral health is more important than most people realize.

What does oral health affect?

Most people are aware of how poor oral health affects their teeth, mouth, and gums. It can cause serious dental conditions that lead to decay, damage, and even tooth loss. However, many people do not know how oral health can affect overall health. Your mouth is filled with bacteria that, while mostly harmless in your mouth, can cause a lot of problems in other parts of your body. Your mouth is an entry point to the rest of your body, such as your digestive and respiratory tracts. Experts have linked oral health to multiple conditions, including:

  • Endocarditis: Endocarditis is the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves. This occurs when bacteria from another part of your body spread to your bloodstream and eventually your heart. This can be caused by bacteria in your mouth.
  • Pneumonia: The bacteria from your mouth can travel to several places in your body. If it spreads to your lungs, it can cause pneumonia or other respiratory issues.
  • Pregnancy complications: The dental disease periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth rates in many cases.
  • Cardiovascular disease: The connection between cardiovascular disease and oral health is not completely clear; however, recent evidence may suggest that some cardiovascular diseases can be linked to infections from oral bacteria.

There are many ways that your oral health can affect your entire body. It is important that you learn how you can care for your oral health to protect your body.

Get treatment for oral issues in Midland, MI

Your oral health is important in the overall scheme of your health. It affects not only your oral and dental health, but it can also affect the health of the rest of your body. Learning how to care for and maintain optimal oral health is a key step in ensuring you can keep your mouth and body healthy. Dr. Edward Knight can help you learn how to protect your oral health. Contact Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI for a full consultation on the overall state of your oral and dental health.