Good oral health equates to good general health
Did you know that your oral health and general health are closely linked? In fact, your oral health can even act as a bit of a window to how healthy you are in general, particularly because dental issues can affect other parts of your body.
The connection between general health and oral health
Your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of which is harmless. However, as the mouth is the entrance to your respiratory and digestive tracts, some of these bacteria have the potential to cause illness and disease.
In most cases the combination of a comprehensive dental hygiene routine and your body’s natural defences manage to keep levels of bacteria under control. But if you fail to brush and floss your teeth every day, bacteria can quickly reach levels that may lead to a variety of oral infections, including gum disease and tooth decay.
Which health conditions can be directly connected to oral health?
- Pneumonia
Bacteria from the mouth can be sucked into the lungs, which may lead to the development of a variety of respiratory diseases such as bacterial pneumonia.
- Heart disease and/or stroke
Although the precise reasons for the connection between oral health and heart disease isn’t yet fully understood, research indicates that clogged arteries, stroke, and cardiovascular disease may be closely linked to the infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria. Endocarditis can also occur when bacteria from the mouth spreads through the bloodstream and attaches itself to the inner lining of the heart’s valves or chambers.
- Diabetes
Certain chronic conditions can affect your oral health. Diabetes impacts the body’s ability to resist infection which can lead to gum disease. Research indicates that people with gum disease find it trickier to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which means that accessing frequent periodontal care can contribute to effective diabetes management.
- Alzheimer’s disease
Certain types of bacteria have the ability to move between the mouth and the brain, most notably the same type that causes gingivitis. When these bacteria reach the brain, they release enzymes that can destroy nerve cells, which can lead to memory loss and potentially the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, as Alzheimer’s progresses, it often has a severe impact on oral health.
- Premature birth and/or low birthweight
Severe gum disease has been linked to a variety of pregnancy and birth complications, including premature delivery. It is thought that the chemicals which encourage labour can be raised by gum disease, which is why maintaining good oral health is essential for pregnant people.
How can I maintain good oral health?
In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and flossing frequently, there are a variety of other things you can do that will help you to maintain a healthy mouth.
Eating a balanced diet is beneficial for both your general health and your oral health. Limiting acidic foods and those with added sugars will help you to maintain strong teeth that are less susceptible to decay. It is also recommended to avoid using tobacco which can be extremely detrimental to both your oral and physical health.
It is important to replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to display signs of wear, and use mouthwash during the day to remove food particles and other debris lodged between your teeth after eating.
You should also schedule frequent check-ups with your dentist and dental hygienist. In addition to receiving regular cleanings, this will ensure that any problems are identified as early as possible which will often make their treatment easier and more successful.
If you would like to book in for a dental check-up or receive personalised advice for maintaining a healthy mouth, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my friendly team who will be more than happy to accommodate any requests.
