Health is a top priority, but especially now with a pandemic going on. Common types of health typically include physical and mental, but an important one to consider is oral too! Oral health has a direct correlation with how healthy your body can be. During this time of illness, it is important to keep your health strong. Here are two reasons why oral health is important.

Immune System

As stated before, your oral health has a direct correlation with your physical health. Did you know that the way you take care of your teeth can affect your immune system? Your mouth is an entryway for bacteria and germs to enter your body. From there, the bacteria can turn into viruses or diseases that affect your immune system. According to The Dental Health Foundation, the mouth is essentially a “window” into the rest of the body, providing signals of general health disorders. This is why it is crucial to take care of your oral health.

Quality of Life

Your oral health has a great impact on the quality of your life. Think about it. Your oral health directly affects your physical health, but also it can affect your social and emotional health too. According to a new study, more than a quarter of people don’t like smiling due to their teeth. In addition to that, Psychology Today tells us that smiling directly affects your brain. Smiling initiates neuropeptides that work towards fighting off stress. Essentially, smiling helps release endorphins which in turn make you feel better. Therefore, hating your smile or your teeth can directly impact this part of your life. If you are feeling self-conscious about the way you look, it can negatively affect your state of emotional health.

What Now?

There are many ways you can take care of your oral health all on your own. First and foremost, it is essential to floss and brush your teeth twice daily. Brushing your teeth will get rid of food particles in your mouth that could eventually turn into an infection. Not only that, but it will keep the window to your body clean. Secondly, visit your dentist. Your dentist is the one person who can help you with your oral health. Visiting your dentist annually allows your dentist to keep tabs on your oral health. If you want to change something about your teeth, you can consider cosmetic dentistry. This includes things like whitening, veneers, straightening your teeth and more.

If you are interested in ensuring your oral health is taken care of, Wytheville Dentist can help. We provide a variety of services to our patients to keep them healthy and happy. Due to COVID-19, a few things at our office have changed. We are currently only seeing patients with emergencies, so we can do our part and keep the hospital open for emergencies. As of right now, we are currently putting a hold on general dentistry appointments. This does not mean we are not here to help! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (276) 228-2777 or visit us online here. Stay healthy and safe!