What is oral health?
Oral health is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and disease-free. It involves brushing and flossing your teeth as well as visiting your dentist regularly for dental X-rays, exams and cleanings.
The Importance of Oral Health
As we learn more about how everything in our bodies is connected, oral hygiene has become a key topic in health conversations. It involves the state of your mouth, teeth, and gums, which are essential not just for eating and talking but also for your overall health.
This blog will share some fascinating facts about your teeth and how they relate to bigger health issues. It’s important to see oral health as part of your overall self-care, as it plays a crucial role in your general well-being. By focusing on dental health, we can discover ways to significantly improve your quality of life.
Facts you should know
Fact 1: The Tooth Is the Only Part of the Human Body That Can’t Repair Itself
- The human body is a remarkable system with a substantial capacity for self-repair and regeneration. However, interestingly, teeth stand as a notable exception to this self-healing capability. Unlike bones, skin, and other tissues that can regenerate, teeth cannot repair themselves once damaged. This inability is primarily due to the unique structure and composition of teeth.
- Teeth consist of three key players: enamel, dentin, and pulp. Enamel, the outer layer, is the toughest material in the human body and acts as a shield against damage, but it can’t heal itself since it has no living cells. Just underneath is the dentin, a supportive tissue that has tiny tubules for sensation but also lacks repair cells. At the center is the pulp, filled with nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. If the enamel and dentin get damaged, the pulp can be exposed, resulting in intense pain and potential infection.
Fact 2: Using a Toothbrush Cover Can Promote Bacterial Growth
- Many people believe that using a toothbrush cover is an effective way to keep their toothbrush cleaner. However, this common misconception can have unintended consequences for your oral health. When a toothbrush is covered, the bristles remain moist, which inadvertently creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Moist bristles can harbor bacteria and fungi, increasing the risk of transferring these harmful microorganisms to your mouth during brushing.
Fact 3: Dominant Hand Influences Chewing Habits
- A fascinating, lesser-known fact about oral health is the correlation between one’s dominant hand and their chewing habits. Research shows that right-handed people often chew more on the right side of their mouth, while left-handed folks lean towards the left. This happens because our dominant hand helps control our chewing movements. Recognizing how our dominant hand shapes our chewing habits shows just how connected our bodies functions are and highlights the need for balanced chewing to keep our dental health in check.
- This preferential chewing can lead to uneven dental wear. When one side of the mouth is predominantly used, it undergoes more mechanical stress and wear. Over time, this can result in asymmetrical dental erosion, an increased risk of cavities, and even gum recession in the overused area. The less-used side, on the other hand, may not benefit from the natural cleaning action of chewing, potentially leading to plaque accumulation and oral hygiene issues.
Tips we recommend
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups are crucial since your teeth can’t heal themselves, so make sure to see your dentist every six months to catch and address any issues early. Professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants can safeguard your teeth and reduce the risk of decay. We know dental visits can be pricey, which is why we partner with leading insurance providers to help you get coverage. Click this link for an instant quote on dental insurance.
- Frequently change your toothbrush: It’s important to change your toothbrush regularly, ideally every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. We recommend you soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash after each use for a few minutes and ensure it dries completely afterward to help eliminate leftover toothpaste and debris.
- Maintain balance: To keep your teeth in good shape, try to chew evenly on both sides of your mouth. Being mindful while eating can help balance the wear and tear on your teeth, reducing the risk of localized issues. Simple habits like starting on one side and switching it up can create a more balanced chewing routine over time. We advise you to munch on crunchy fruits and veggies as this will naturally encourage you to use both sides of your mouth more.
Applying Biblical Principles to Oral Health:
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”
Matthew 15:18
The Bible provides timeless wisdom that we can apply to many aspects of our lives, including our oral health. The verse above relates closely to oral health by highlighting how our mouth can mirror the state of our heart. In this case, the heart is not only our spiritual core but also a vital organ connected to overall physical health
Your oral health is closely tied to your overall health, so issues with your teeth and gums can trigger other serious conditions, like heart disease. Essentially, your mouth can reflect what’s happening with your heart. For instance, neglecting oral hygiene can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, blocked arteries, and strokes. If you have heart disease or other heart-related health issues, you’re at a higher risk of developing endocarditis, an inflammation of the lining of your heart valves (and sometimes the lining of your heart chambers).
So how do we apply Matthew 15:18 in practical ways to improve our overall health? Consider the saying by Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, ‘You are what you eat.’ Avoiding or limiting foods harmful to the heart, such as white rice, bread, pasta, processed meats, soda, red meat, alcohol, and ice cream, can directly benefit both your oral and cardiovascular health.
Beyond diet, be mindful of your mental and emotional intake. Guard your eyes and ears from negative influences by avoiding content and individuals who promote values contrary to your beliefs. By being selective about social media, TV shows, YouTube videos, music, and friendships, you can protect your heart and, consequently, your overall well-being. Implementing these practices will foster a healthier physical and spiritual heart.
Take action today for a healthier tomorrow by integrating both scriptural and scientific wisdom into your daily habits.
Resources
- Cleveland Clinic. “Oral Hygiene: Best Practices & Instructions for Good Routine.” Cleveland Clinic, 21 Apr. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene.
- “39 Fun & Interesting Facts about Dentistry & Teeth.” NewMouth, 21 Mar. 2023, www.newmouth.com/resources/facts-about-dentistry/. Accessed 1 Sept. 2024.
- Udodiong, Inemesit. “17 Things the Bible Says about the Power in Your Tongue.” Pulse Nigeria, 5 Aug. 2016, www.pulse.ng/communities/religion/what-to-read-17-things-the-bible-says-about-the-power-in-your-tongue/sq0x0pk.
- WebMD. “Slideshow: Foods That Are Bad for Your Heart.” WebMD, 2019, www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-foods-bad-heart.