Oral Health in Arizona

Many people understand the importance of keeping in good general health, but they do not seem to understand that oral health in Arizona is just as important. The oral cavity provides a large entrance to the inside of the body. Anything that enters the mouth has the potential to get to other tissues. Beyond the chance for infection, oral health also has implications in eating and social activity.

Many infections cause problems with the amount of saliva a person has. The under or overproduction of saliva can be an indication of the type of infection a person is experiencing. Additionally, sores in the mouth can be a symptom of HIV, Crohn’s disease, or other issues that do not mainly affect the mouth. By not getting regular dental checkups in Scottsdale, a person may be missing an important piece of their general health.

In the social world, the way the mouth appears to other people is a major factor in initiating a conversation. People are quick to judge other people for poor oral health, even if the person in poor health has little control over it. This can cause a person to lose self-esteem, and it puts them at risk for mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or body dysmorphic disorder.

People who have poor oral health may have trouble with eating. Sometimes, a person will be in too much pain to eat food. This causes the body to lose energy and lead to extremely dangerous situations. Some people may not be able to chew their food well enough to allow it to digest properly. This will also cause issues like fatigue and stomach ache.

Oral health problems share a lot of risk factors with other general health conditions as well. While the nature of the link between oral health and general health is not fully understood, scientists, dentists, and physicians do know that there is a link between the two. One example is tobacco. A risk factor for many cancers is use of tobacco, which is, in turn, a risk factor for gum disease.

The mouth provides a window to the health of the rest of the body. People who have poor oral health tend to have poor general health. As research continues, the connection gets stronger. It is essential to be aware of the close connection between the mouth and the rest of the body and to keep the mouth in good health.