What your Smile Says about your Health

They say that your smile is a window to your health. Research indicates a significant correlation between one’s oral health and their mental and physical health. Adults, on average, smile about two dozen times a day, while children smile up to 400 times a day. Both kids and adults experience a range of emotions, although smiling seems to come more naturally for children. But as an adult, you may avoid smiling if you have discolored, chipped, broken, decayed, or missing teeth. While those dental issues may seem like they are only an aesthetic concern, they could actually point to health issues that impact your overall well-being. So, today on the blog, find out what your smile says about your health, and how to improve your oral health so that you can be healthier overall.

How your smile could show warning signs of diseases or serious illnesses

If your smiles reveal dingy or yellowing teeth, broken teeth, or cavities, you could run the risk of serious health consequences. Research links untreated tooth infections like cavities or abscesses to an increased risk of heart disease or even sepsis, which is an infection throughout the body that is difficult to treat with even the strongest antibiotics. Therefore, as wild as it may sound, a tooth infection could actually result in death if not properly treated by a dentist. Severely damaged or broken teeth can expose the tooth’s nerve chamber to harmful bacteria that cause pain and discomfort. As a result, you may likely avoid nutritious foods, and your overall health could suffer. Additionally, not meeting the recommended daily oral hygiene standards of brushing twice a day and flossing daily could lead to gum disease, which left untreated could cause systemic chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can damage your cells, tissues, and organs that may result in scarring or tissue death, which may increase your risk of diseases like cancer, Type-2 diabetes, heart disease, or other serious, life-threatening illnesses.

How can I improve my oral health and protect my overall health?

There are specific recommendations that you can follow to maintain or improve your oral health. With daily due diligence and the help of a trusted dentist in Louisville, together you and your dentist can get you or any other family member on the right track.

Following these guidelines if you want to improve your oral health:

• See the dentist at least once every six months for cleanings and exams.
• Get recommended dental work done as soon as possible to prevent your condition from worsening.
• Brush your teeth twice a day. Once after breakfast and again before bed.
• Floss daily, particularly before bed.
• Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages.
• Practice stress-reducing techniques.
• Smile more often, even during stressful or anxious situations.

My teeth are in bad shape. Is it too late for me?

You may be learning about the harmful effects of poor oral health as an adult, but it’s never too late to make changes to protect your mouth and your body. No matter the state of your oral health or your current age, there are treatments available to fix damaged teeth, replace missing teeth, and stop gum disease from progressing. The quicker you act, the better. Schedule a consultation with your dentist for a complete oral health assessment and treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.

Family Dentists in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and Louisville and Shepherdsville, Kentucky

At Exceptional Dentistry, we provide dental care to patients of all ages. We pride ourselves on being a family-centered practice and would love to help you on the journey to improved oral health and well-being. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact our office by calling (5020 423-7868.