You’ve probably heard it said that the eyes are the window to the soul…but did you know that your mouth is the gateway to a whole lot of areas that can affect your overall health? It’s important to understand the correlation between oral health and overall health so you can take action to ensure you are properly caring for yourself in a holistic way.

Physical Health

Your mouth is an entry point for multiple systems in the body, including the digestive system, respiratory system, and bloodstream. While it’s perfectly normal to have bacteria present in the mouth, the chance of infection increases exponentially if levels of bacteria exceed normal parameters. Tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities…these may all seem to be “common” dental issues, but the truth is they can cause serious pain and damage to your body as a whole. Infections that enter the bloodstream through the mouth can reach the heart, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart disease. Why let a problem that is easily preventable cause such damage to your body? Practicing good oral hygiene along with regular visits to the dentist are great steps toward improving your overall health by caring for your oral health.

Psychological Health

Caring for your oral health will undoubtedly have a positive psychological impact. The psyche is an important part of one’s overall health and certainly deserves to be mentioned when discussing oral health. Poor oral health can lead to discoloration, cracked or chipped teeth, cavities, and decay. Feelings of shame or embarrassment about your teeth can lead to a negative self-image, low self-esteem, and damaging thought patterns…that could eventually lead to damaging behaviors. Regular visits with a dentist will have a positive effect on one’s psychological health, a significant part of overall health, as problems are addressed and resolved.

Emotional Health

Good oral health has a positive impact on emotional health. It’s well-known that the physical act of smiling can result in a better mood and outlook, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. If you don’t smile out of embarrassment about your poor oral health, your emotions will likely take a hit. Those who smile less may be prone to depression and anxiety, especially if low self-esteem has led to a self-induced isolation from relationships with others. Depression and anxiety can manifest through physical symptoms as well, creating a toxic ecosystem between one’s emotions, psyche, and body. Maintaining good oral health increases the likelihood that one will smile and approach life with confidence, which will ultimately have a positive impact on overall health.

“Health” is truly a holistic endeavor – it cannot be reduced to just physical wellbeing. Oral health is directly correlated with overall health in many ways, primarily in the physical, psychological, and emotional realms. Caring for your oral health means you are caring for your overall health and wellbeing, which will have a positive impact on all areas of life. If you are in the St. Augustine area, call Dental Remedies today for guidance on how to improve your oral and overall health.