The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health

August 5, 2024

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Oral health is a vital part of our overall well-being. The mouth is the primary access point for the nutrition and oxygen every living body needs to survive. Good oral health is an essential part of your health and well-being. But unfortunately, sometimes people believe that dental care is somehow less important than general medical care.

The mouth is both the primary pathway into the body and an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. There are up to six million bacteria present in a typical person’s mouth. Most are harmless, or at least well-controlled by the body’s natural defences – as long as good oral hygiene is practised. But if that becomes a problem, bacteria can multiply, enter the bloodstream, and spread to other parts of the body. Dental caries and gum disease can cause impaired chewing, bad breath, sleep problems and due to that poor work performance and low self-confidence.

Studies suggest that oral bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease may contribute to any number of serious conditions, including:

Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, which can occur when bacteria or germs from your mouth spread through your bloodstream and attach to specific areas in your heart causing arrhythmias and murmurs.
Cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections of gum disease.
Pregnancy and birth complications. Periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease) has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Pneumonia. This and other respiratory conditions can be caused when bacteria in your mouth are spread into your lungs.
Diabetes can be particularly problematic too, resulting in a cascade of problems that can be very difficult to deal with. People with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease, making diabetes even worse. There are other conditions too that can be challenging such as kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, cancer etc.
Oral cancer: Using tobacco, non-healing ulcers etc contribute to oral cancer formation. Also, these lead to a decreased immune system.

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Here are some key points to consider:

Preventing tooth decay and gum disease: Regular brushing and flossing can help to remove plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that can build up on teeth and cause decay and inflammation of the gums. By keeping teeth and gums clean, you can prevent cavities and gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. It is essential to brush twice a day before going to bed and brushing in the morning, Also following a proper brushing technique is vital to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Fresher breath: Proper oral hygiene can also help to eliminate bad breath by removing bacteria and food particles from the mouth.
Maintaining a healthy smile: Good oral hygiene is also important for maintaining the appearance of your teeth and gums. Regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent discolouration and staining of teeth, as well as prevent receding and swollen gums.
Supporting overall health: There are research reports available that have also shown that there may be links between oral health and overall health. For example, gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. By maintaining good dental health, you may be able to reduce your risk of these and other health issues.
Cost savings: Preventing dental problems by maintaining good dental health can help you save money on dental treatments, such as fillings or root canals and can also prevent the extraction of teeth. Also visiting a dentist regularly to get your dental checkup done can prevent further damage and complications of tooth decay and gum disease.