Oral health: The key to your overall health
We may not readily realize this but oral health has a strong link with overall health.
Just like other parts of the body, the mouth is a place where bacteria breed, most of which are relatively harmless.
Then again, the mouth is the gateway to your digestive system and respiratory tract and the bacteria living in your mouth might cause some health problems.
Your innate immune system and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep the number of bacteria under control.
However, the lack of proper oral hygiene, bacteria may reach certain levels that could lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Moreover, certain drugs — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants — might lead to the reduction of saliva flow.
The saliva has an important role in your body. Saliva washes away food and helps to neutralize acids produced by bacteria living in the mouth. This will help protect you from possible diseases.
There are studies that suggest oral bacteria and the inflammation linked with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might be linked in some diseases.
Diseases such as diabetes and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) makes it difficult for the body to fight infections making oral health problems more concerning.
Bad oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
- Endocarditis. This refers to infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) that typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and into your heart.
- Cardiovascular disease. Although the connection between this disease and oral health is not fully understood, there are some research suggesting that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria.
- Pregnancy and birth complications. Severe gum disease like periodontitis is known to be linked with premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia. There are certain bacteria in the mouth which may be pulled into your lungs, causing diseases such as pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
- Diabetes. People with diabetes are susceptible to suffer from severe gum disease. Gum disease seems to be more frequent and appears to be severe among people who have uncontrolled high blood sugar levels. It is known that people with gum disease are having difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. Seeing your dentist may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
- HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have AIDS or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Osteoporosis. This disease is known to be related with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. There are some drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of one’s jaw.
- Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it is observed that oral health suffers.
Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include: eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and Sjogren’s syndrome.
Inform your dentist about your health condition like if you suffer from diabetes. Aside from your dentist, oral health can improve with regular oral hygiene and make sure to eat a healthy diet and avoid excessive sugars.
Get in touch with your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.