How can your oral health affect your overall health?
Have you ever considered that your oral health has more of an impact on your general health that you might be aware of? We all know that brushing and flossing twice daily is important, but it might be surprising to learn that it’s not just about preventing cavities and having a pearly white smile. It’s also got to do with keeping your mouth healthy for your overall health and wellbeing.
Oral health is directly linked to overall health, which means that problems with your teeth and gums can result in other health concerns such as; stokes, heart disease and more. In the following we will explain the connection between your body and oral health and how to practice good oral hygiene.
Why oral health matters
You might think of your mouth as separate from the rest of your body, this could simply be because your dentist is different from your doctor. Or because your medical aid doesn’t even bother to cover dental visits. However, in reality once your dentist inspects your mouth, they will get a clear indication of your overall health.
Poor oral health can include conditions like:
Gingivitis, this occurs when bacteria infects your gums and is a mild, early form of gum disease.
Tooth decay, caused by untreated cavities.
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that leads to inflamed gums and bone loss around teeth.
The potential results of poor oral health
Besides bad breath and the discolouration of your teeth, neglecting your oral health can lead a number of health issues that may affect your entire body. These are the most critical effects:
Cardiovascular disease
“Cardiovascular disease” is an umbrella term used, when referring to a group of disorders related to your heart and blood vessels. Having poor oral health is associated with forms of cardiovascular disease like:
Coronary artery disease: This is the most common type of heart disease, and can cause heart attacks, heart failure and more.
Clogged arteries: Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease have a significantly higher risk of developing atherosclerosis. This occurs when plaque builds up inside the blood vessels that deliver blood and oxygen from your heart to your body.
Stroke: Studies suggest a strong correlation between periodontal disease and strokes, specifically strokes related to atherosclerosis.
Please note that even though cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease are associated with each other, there’s no evidence thus far that suggests the one causes the other.
Endocarditis
If you have heart disease or other heart-related health issues, you’re at a higher risk of developing endocarditis. This is the inflammation of the lining of your heart valves (and at times the lining of your heart chambers).
Endocarditis is caused by a bacterial infection that can be contracted during procedures like tooth extractions. It doesn’t usually affect healthy hearts, but if you have existing heart issues, it can potentially be fatal.
Pregnancy and birth complications
During pregnancy it is vital to take care of your body, including your mouth. If you don’t pay attention to your oral health it may result in oral bacteria travelling into the bloodstream and potentially harming the foetus. The following is associated with poor oral care during pregnancy:
Fetal growth restriction.
Miscarriage.
Preeclampsia.
Gestational diabetes.
Stillbirth.
Low birth weight.
Pneumonia
Having cavities has been linked to developing pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The thought behind this, is that bacteria from the mouth can draw into the upper airway and into the lungs, which may be related to one of the causes of pneumonia.
Other issues
Oral health is pivotal in your ability to consume healthy meals. Consuming nutritious foods is essential for our survival and is solely dependent on healthy teeth and gums. Untreated cavities will most likely result in poor nutrition and the stunted growth and development in children. Other related issues can include:
Cellulitis (a bacterial infection)
Gum disease.
Facial swelling.
What affects your oral health?
There are a few factors that contribute to the relationship between oral health and systemic health. In the following we explain some of the links:
Common risk factors
Periodontal disease and systemic disorders share a number of common risk factors, including:
A poor diet, especially one high in sugar.
High stress.
Excessive alcohol use.
Tobacco use.
All of the above mentioned can cause periodontal disease or cavities, and they can also cause systemic health disorders. Therefore, it makes sense that if you have one or more of these risk factors, you might have other related health concerns.
Genetics
Some people are genetically predisposed to developing periodontal disease and systemic diseases.
Certain medical conditions
Just like poor oral health can result in other medical issues the reverse is true as well. There are some diseases and disorders that can cause oral health problems.
Diabetes is arguably at the top of the list. People with poorly controlled diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease and having the periodontal disease progress and ultimately be more severe in nature.
Osteoporosis is also associated with periodontal disease. Studies suggest that the low bone mineral density associated with the condition can affect your jaw. The type of bone loss associated with periodontal disease is called alveolar bone loss, which refers to the part of your jawbone that has tooth sockets.
Other conditions that can affect your oral health include:
Alzheimer’s disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
HIV/AIDS.
Fibromyalgia.
Prostate cancer.
How to practice good oral hygiene
If you’re starting to feel a bit uneasy about not having flossed yet for the day or week, don’t stress too much. There’s plenty you can start doing at this very moment that will improve your oral hygiene habits and keep your mouth happy and healthy.
At De Necker Dentistry we recommend doing the following:
Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a fluoridated toothpaste and make sure you brush for at least two minutes. It will be even better if you use an electric toothbrush.
Floss once a day. To get into those tough to reach crevices, use dental floss rather than floss picks.
Try other home tools for oral hygiene. Options like mouthwash can help you keep your teeth and gums in the best condition.
See your dentist twice a year. Regular check-ups, X-rays and cleaning will keep your smile looking great and keep you healthy.
Make an appointment with a periodontist. If you’ve never visited one, now’s the time to start. Booking an annual appointment with a periodontist, will make sure your gums and jaw are healthy.
Manage your other health concerns. Focusing on heart health and managing conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis are critical to keeping your mouth healthy.
Maintain a healthy overall lifestyle. What’s good for your body is good for your mouth, too. To keep yourself on a healthy path, try to exercise regularly, eat nutritious food and avoid activities like smoking and drinking excessively.
Afraid of going to the dentist?
At De Necker Dentistry we know that visiting the dentist is unpleasant for most but we can assure you that we will do our very best to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We care about your smile but we care just as much about your overall health. Book an appointment with us and experience the De Necker Difference.
