Have you ever thought about how your overall health and wellbeing may be affecting your smile? Emerging research is showing that the connection between your general health and your oral health is very important. Not only can your oral health affect your total body wellness, your general health can also impact your smile. Today our Elmhurst dentist office is explaining what kinds of health issues may impact your oral health.
Colds and Respiratory Infections
Everyone catches a cold occasionally, and that cold may impact your mouth. Particularly, many patients notice that their breath starts to feel and smell stale while they are sick. Post-nasal drip—a build-up of mucus in the throat—can make your breath smell unpleasant. To combat this, clean your mouth regularly and thoroughly while you are sick, and gargle with mouthwash or warm salt water to clean the back of your throat.
Diabetes
Patients with diabetes need to be very careful about caring for their smiles, because diabetes affects the health of your gum tissue. The blood sugar fluctuations and inflammation that come along with diabetes can weaken and degrade your gum tissue. In order to maintain a strong smile, patients with diabetes need to keep their blood sugar levels in check, and see their dentists regularly for thorough professional cleanings.
Weakened Immune System
There are many chronic conditions that can compromise your immune system. If you suffer from one of these conditions, speak to your dentist about any oral hygiene precautions you should take. Remember, your body has to fight back against bacterial plaque and tartar every day, so you want to help your body win this fight.
To learn more information about how specific whole-body infections may impact your teeth and gums, give our Elmhurst dentist office a call. We are here to support you as you achieve optimal dental health!