Proper oral health is an important part of every daily routine, even if it isn’t the most interesting or fun part. This is because the health of our teeth, gums, and mouth in general is closely tied to the health of other parts of our bodies.
Proper oral health is an important part of every daily routine, even if it isn’t the most interesting or fun part. This is because the health of our teeth, gums, and mouth in general is closely tied to the health of other parts of our bodies. Surprisingly, this is true of our ears as well. When we don’t practice good oral hygiene, we could actually be doing damage to our hearing.
How Does Poor Oral Health Harm Hearing?
The connection between poor oral health and your hearing is actually by way of your circulation. Poor circulation has been shown to affect sensory organs, especially the inner ear, which is very sensitive. Over time, the poor circulation in the body leads to a lack of necessary nutrients for the inner ear, and hearing loss can occur. Poor dental habits can lead to infections in the gums and teeth, which cause arteries and blood vessels to constrict. Since the mouth is close to the ears, this constriction can cut off necessary circulation.
How To Prevent This
Whether you’ve noticed signs of hearing loss or not, the time is now to correct your oral health routine and prevent damage (or further damage) to your hearing. To begin with, you should brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. This will keep food and debris from building up and becoming plaque. You should also floss, if not every time you brush, at least once a day. Use a long enough piece of floss to get to the space between each tooth without struggling, or try floss sticks. You should change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and if you’re not sure of the best toothbrush for your needs, you should ask your dentist to recommend one. Next, schedule and actually go to your cleanings every six months and don’t put off dental work that you need to have done. Putting off fillings won’t make the problem go away, and the prolonged dental issue could result in long-term damage to your ears. Finally, if you’re worried that you may be experiencing some hearing loss, contact your audiologist today for a screening.
Contact Bay Area Audiology Today
Ready to change the way you look at hearing loss? Our Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Trisha A. Bents Muth, is exceptionally experienced in the art of audiology and is dedicated to providing the absolute best solutions. Bay Area Audiology has been working to give patients a comfortable environment, with thorough evaluations. We are independently owned, and unbiased when it comes to finding you the care you need.
You can always come into the office, or contact us in advance to set up an appointment. We also provide updates on our social media websites. You can check out our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to keep up with Bay Area Audiology.
Don’t hesitate–we can help.