We join gyms, do home workouts, take walks in the park, buy into fad diets, visit the doctor regularly…all in the name of caring for our physical health. But health is holistic, encompassing much more than just our physical self. It’s important to be physically, psychologically, and emotionally healthy. Though it may not be the first thing you think of when thinking of health and wellness, here are four reasons caring for your oral health is just as important as caring for your physical health.

1. Prevention

Obesity can lead to a plethora of illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise and a healthy diet is one of the most important things one can do to prevent disease. Caring for your oral health is also extremely important when it comes to prevention. Your mouth is a direct pathway to several other major systems in the body, so it’s vital to keep it as clean and free of harmful bacteria as possible. Cleaning tartar and plaque off your teeth on a regular basis during routine dental appointments can actually prevent infections and illness in the rest of the body, so be sure to care for your oral health just as you do your physical health.

2. Early Detection

Visiting your primary care physician is important no matter your age, as your doctor will do a complete check of your physical health in an attempt to catch any potential problems before they get worse. Regular checkups are equally as important when it comes to your oral health, both for your teeth and gums as well as your overall wellbeing. A thorough dental exam may uncover signs of an undiagnosed disease that would have otherwise gone undetected until it had progressed much further. Your dentist has the knowledge and experience to refer you to a general practitioner or specialist if needed. The truth is that early detection of diseases could be the difference between life and death – so be sure to use all the means available to you when it comes to both your oral and physical health.

3. Self Confidence

Caring for your physical health can lead to increased self-confidence and the production of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. When it comes to self-esteem, it is just as important to care for your oral health. If you suffer from dental problems such as discolored, crooked, or chipped teeth, you may feel embarrassed about your smile and hesitant to engage in deep and meaningful relationships. Taking care of your oral health has the same potential to boost your self-esteem as losing that extra weight you’ve been trying to shed – so it’s best to practice good oral hygiene and go to routine dental visits to ensure any dental issues are taken care of quickly.

Good health should be a top priority in your life. And when it really comes down to it, caring for your oral health is just as important as caring for your physical health. If you’re ready to reap the health benefits of regular dental care from a qualified, caring professional, call Dental Remedies today to schedule your new patient appointment.