Your oral health is extremely important for the health of your entire body. When most people think of bad oral health, they think of cavities and gum disease. While this is true, the health of your mouth can also affect your overall health. This is because your mouth is full of bacteria. If that bacteria leaves your mouth, it can affect other systems in your body.

Gum Disease, Inflammation, and Your Oral Health

Gum disease, oral bacteria, and the associated inflammation have been linked to numerous health issues including heart disease, dementia, respiratory infections, and complications with diabetes.

Heart Disease

Oral bacteria and the inflammation it causes have been linked to cardiovascular disease and hardening of the arteries. It is also possible for the bacteria in the mouth to travel to the lining of the heart, causing endocarditis.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

It is believed that the bacteria that lead to gum disease can enter the brain through the nerves or the bloodstream. When oral health isn’t maintained, it can lead to an explosion of bacteria in the mouth and gum disease, which can increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Increased Lung Infections

When oral bacteria increases, the potential for lung infections also increases. This is because individuals can inhale that bacteria into their lungs.

Increased Diabetic Problems

Diabetic complications can increase when oral health decreases. This is because it can be harder to control blood sugar when periodontal disease is present. Not to mention, diabetes affects blood flow throughout the body, including in the gums, which increases the risk of gum disease.

Improving Your Oral Health 

You probably already know that improving and maintaining your oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing on a regular basis. You’ll also have to see a dentist for teeth cleanings at least twice a year. However, if you have a malocclusion, or crooked, badly gapped teeth or a bite problem, it can make it more difficult to remove all the plaque and food particles from your teeth. For example, if your teeth are crooked or crowded, you may have difficulty reaching every surface of your teeth and flossing between your teeth. 

This can lead to cavities and gingivitis. Thankfully, there are numerous treatments available that can efficiently and effectively straighten your teeth so that you can improve your oral hygiene and reduce your risk for developing gum disease.

Straightening Your Teeth 

Our orthodontist in Melbourne, FL offers traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces and Invisalign for teeth straightening, which can improve the appearance of your teeth and smile and make it easier for you to clean your teeth. These are the types of orthodontic treatments that can help you improve your smile and your oral health:

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are affixed to the teeth and a metal wire that helps move the teeth. This treatment is great for individuals with severely crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are also a good choice for individuals almost any orthodontic problems. This is geared towards individuals who want a less noticeable way to straighten their teeth. While this still involves the use of brackets and wires, the only item that’s readily noticeable is the wire. This is because the ceramic brackets are clear.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the newest way to straighten the teeth. It involves the use of clear aligners that are made of durable material, custom formed for your teeth and treatment plan. Since the aligners are clear, they are virtually invisible when worn. They are also removable, which means dietary changes aren’t needed. Individuals with mild to moderate bite problems and crooked teeth are great candidates for invisible braces. Invisalign can even be used by individuals who went through early treatment but have noticed their teeth starting to shift back to their original positions.

To schedule an appointment with our Melbourne orthodontist, contact us at 321-254-5232 today!