The link between your body and oral health
Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
The bond between oral health and general health has been in research for decades. Most research shows oral health has a higher impact on your regular health. Caring your teeth not only provides a stunning smile, but it also enhances the health of your complete body. Failing in care for your teeth results in various health problems.
The link between oral health and general health
Our mouth is full of bacteria. It is ordinary, and most of them are not harmful. Regular brushing and flossing keep the bacteria rates under control. However, problems may arise when there is no oral care.
On your mouth, the bacteria reproduce and combine to produce acids with sugar in the food. Such acids damage the tooth, which causes gum disease, cavities, the decay of the tooth, and periodontitis, which may cause infections that spread to the rest of the body. Below are some of the issues related to poor oral health.
Diabetes
Gum disease may also make diabetes more complicated. Gum inflammation or Periodontitis is a severe dental problem that causes the gums to become so infected that they begin to pull apart from teeth and create gaps.
This problem makes it hard for the body to effectively tolerate insulin products, which reduces blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Continuous high blood sugar results in even worse mouth infections, leading to more inflammation. Diabetic patients should maintain good oral health.
Endocarditis
When bacterial colonies develop in the mouth, they invade the gums and teeth and cause gingivitis. Gingivitis leads to inflammation of the gums. Once this begins, bacteria travel into the bloodstream and can spread to other body locations. They reach the heart causing inflammation to valves or inner lining heart chambers. This inflammation is called Endocarditis.
Cardiovascular disease
If you don’t floss and brush your teeth every day, it will lead to plaque build-up on your teeth. Plaque may enter the bloodstream and deposited in the heart of an artery resulting in a stroke or heart attack. Learn these brushing technique also to brush your teeth well.
Osteoporosis
This weakening of bone condition is associated with periodontal loss of the bone and loss of the tooth. Many drugs used to treat osteoporosis are associated with a slight risk of damage to the jawbones.
Pneumonia
Air flows into your mouth and the lungs. Initially, if your mouth has some unhealthy bacteria, they easily enter into the lungs and cause various respiratory problems or pneumonia.
For general, the elderly must ensure that they keep taking care of their teeth, even dentures, as a disease such as pneumonia can threaten your life when it affects an older person.
Pregnancy and complications in birth
The increase in hormones of pregnancy can create major dental problems. Periodontitis was associated with low birth weight and premature birth. Throughout childbirth, maintaining good oral hygiene is a key step in securing both your child and you.
Alzheimer’s disease
Bad oral hygiene, trouble wearing dentures, and lack of self-care, including oral hygiene procedures, are the most likely cause of oral health deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease.
HIV/AIDS
HIV-positive people are weak to infections, and the difficulty of these infections can be severe. Due to the weakened immune system of the patient, minor infections can grow rapidly. People who live with HIV also need to be very careful when it comes to preserving all areas of their hygiene, including oral hygiene.
The door to the rest of your body is your mouth. Maintaining proper dental health is an essential step you may take to reduce the chance of developing other health issues. Drink more water to prevent various problems in teeth. Tell your dentist as soon as you have an oral health problem. Caring for your dental health is an overall health benefit.
