The eyes are considered the windows to the soul. Similarly the teeth, rather the mouth, can be the doorway of diseases, literally and figuratively. So paying proper attention to regular teeth cleaning, filling the gaps between them, undergoing tests like X-rays, dental exams and surgeries are vital not only for oral health but also for the overall wellness of the whole body. However, more than 30% of adults in the country do not seek even yearly dental checkups, leave alone the bi-yearly ones advised by dentists. More than one-third of them have either lost their teeth or suffer from gum disease and tooth decay. This is particularly significant with people in the low-income group and those who lack awareness about the need for proper dental care for a healthy life. Also, while prevention is a better option compared to the treatment of dental diseases, there are tons of people who are unable to afford the cost of good dental care. Dental insurance plans are aplenty no doubt, but millions of Americans still do not have the financial means to pay for the exorbitant cost of maintaining good oral health and hygiene.

Read on to know about the interesting connection between oral wellness and a healthy body:

• Saliva and the horde of good bacteria that are present in the mouth act as simple diagnostic tools to detect illnesses. Also, the myriad presence of genetic material and proteins in it is crucial for the early diagnosis of diseases.
• A side effect of the heavy medication is reduced saliva flow and an imbalance in the natural composition of oral microbiome, which in turn lowers the protective immunity it provides for the microbes in the gut that are vital for good digestive health and a strong immune system.
• Not just preventing bad breath and loss of teeth at a young age, good oral health, apart from preventing embarrassing social conditions and causing emotional stress, plays an important role in keeping many other illnesses at bay.
• People do not realize that poor oral health could cause or increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and preterm labor and even make diabetes treatments more cumbersome.
• The early symptoms of systemic diseases begin showing up in the mouth first with the development of ulcers, lesions, mucosal swelling, localized mucogingivitis and such.
• When there is tooth decay or gum disease, brushing and flossing enables the infected bacteria in the mouth to enter the bloodstream, spread to other parts of the body and cause artery blockages, heart attack or stroke.
• Even a simple gum infection, also called gingivitis, can advance to become periodontitis or develop into acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
• During pregnancy, the hormonal changes in women exacerbate dental problems and sometimes causes low birth weight in babies.

Remember that all the parts of the oral cavity play a significant part in physiological processes like digestion, respiration, and speech. So dental care that includes brushing, flossing and visiting a dentist regularly is fundamental for a healthy body.