How Oral Health Impacts Overall Health
Yes, we are back with another might not be so much interesting but the most important topic, Oral health. We have been growing up listening to that oral health is most important and that bushing the teeth should be our primary chore. But, believe me, this blog gives you the other side of the coin insight speaking in detail about oral and overall health.
Anyhow, we have escaped from toothaches, cavities, and other dental or oral issues that are the result of eating Choco foods. But, there are still risks associated with poor oral hygiene. When the dental problem persists, it not only affects your regular piece but also affects the other systems of the body. So, when your mouth is happy, your stomach will be happy and the rest of the body will be happy.
Let's dive more into the connection between oral and overall health.
Table of Contents
- A brief introduction to oral health.
- The link between oral and overall health.
- The most significant links between oral and overall health
- Tips you can follow
- FAQs
A brief introduction to Oral Health
Oral health refers to the condition of your teeth, gums, tongue, and other tissues in the mouth. Good oral health is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These can affect your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Additionally, the link means that poor oral health can contribute to various health problems. These include heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and dementia. So, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent dental problems and promote good health.
The link between oral & overall health
As we grow older, we become increasingly aware of how important it is to maintain good oral health. It's not just about having a bright and shiny smile, but about keeping our teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that the link between oral health and overall health is much stronger than you may have realized?
Our mouth is the entry point for many of the bacteria and viruses that can affect our health. When we don't take good care of our oral health, these harmful substances can spread throughout our bodies. Eventually, these can lead to various health problems.
Why does oral health matter?
Are you thinking of mouth and body as separate entities?
They might be separate when it comes to the people they dealt with i.e., Dentists, Cardiologists. But they belong to your own body and of course interlinked with each other's functions. In reality, you should think of your body as an extension of your mouth. So, maintaining oral health is of utmost importance.
Keeping a sparkling smile, fresh breath, and healthy gums aside, oral health has a greater benefit to overall health. Your whole health may be impacted by your oral health. While a cavity might not have an influence on your endocrine system. Or a serious gum disease may have long-lasting effects on your health. See the list below for how your oral health may impact your well-being and what you can do about it right now.
Here are some of the most significant links between oral health and overall health.
The mouth contains many bacteria. And your mouth is the gateway to your internal body organs. If you maintain poor oral hygiene, these bacteria reach levels that attack the tooth and gums. This will result in tooth decay, cavities, periodontitis (Severe gum diseases), and more.
You might find surprised by this. You can detect diseases or complications that are growing in your mouth and body, by collecting saliva samples. The bacteria in saliva release the acids forming the dental plaque, if not treated may end up in tooth decay. Also, if the periodontitis grows, it will start destroying the underlying bone tissues.
Having poor oral health has effects associated with forms of cardiovascular diseases.
Research has shown that poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease. Inflamed gums can release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. This leads to the formation of blood clots and ultimately heart disease. Some studies have shown that the same bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause inflammation in the heart's blood vessels. Coronary artery disease leads to heart attacks, heart failure, and more.
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. This is because high blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation and infection in the gums. Additionally, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. This will lead to more severe diabetes symptoms.
The mouth and throat are home to many different types of bacteria. Bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth or gums get breathed into the lungs. When these bacteria grow and multiply, they can lead to infections in the lungs and respiratory system. This is especially true for people with pre-existing conditions such as COPD and pneumonia.
Poor oral health is also linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers have found that the same bacteria that cause gum disease can also enter the brain through the bloodstream. This has effects leading to inflammation and damage to brain cells.
Pregnant women with poor oral health are more likely to develop complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. This is because the same bacteria that cause gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and reach the uterus, leading to inflammation and premature labor. This will cause low birth weight, premature births, developmental problems, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, and behavioral difficulties. It may even increase the risk of infant death.
So, what can you do to maintain good oral health and reduce your risk of these health problems?
Now, you might be still thinking about how these health issues pertaining to oral health. This is because all oral or gum diseases are connected with the body's natural reaction to harmful stimuli. We call it an inflammatory response that either relieves the stress or it may lead to more serious problems if the damage to tissues is high.
Here are some tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can harm your oral health.
- Create an ideal oral health care plan to know and understand your oral health needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking care of your oral health is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. By following good oral hygiene practices and visiting your dentist regularly, you can reduce your risk of many health problems and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
Get Every Single Answer About The Treatment
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones. If this is severe and starts to affect teeth and bones, it affects oral health.
However regular oral hygiene maintenance is a great sign of defense, there are a few things to make it complete. Make sure you consult the dentist regularly. And be aware of certain warning signs like sensitive, inflamed, or bleeding gums, Constant bad breath, Pus by teeth or gums, and Feeling of loose teeth.
Look, almost all dentists know that patients will be nervous visiting them. So, everyone is skilled in working with nervous patients to make the whole experience less anxious.
YES. Recently a dentist in his examination of a woman who visited for a regular dental checkup found many red flags in overall health like inflammation.
If your oral health is perfect or you might be suffering from any oral inconvenience, you can immediately book an appointment with Dr. Jaydev, the best dental specialist in Hyderabad.
