Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Overall Health?

Maintaining good oral health isn’t just about having a dazzling smile; it’s closely linked to your overall systemic health. Yes, oral health affects overall health! Research increasingly shows that poor oral hygiene and untreated oral diseases can impact health in various ways. For instance, gum disease, which arises from bacterial infection and inflammation in the gums, has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. The bacteria from mouth infections can enter the blood stream, potentially causing inflammation and contributing to the development of these systemic conditions.

Furthermore, conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis can worsen with poor oral health. In diabetes, for example, gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, while individuals with osteoporosis may experience greater bone loss if periodontal (gum) disease is present.

Gum disease has been linked to several other health conditions too. Some notable links include; respiratory infections; bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs. Dementia, research suggests a link between chronic gum inflammation contributing to brain tissue degeneration therefore an increased risk of cognitive decline. Rheumatoid arthritis, studies are showing that the bacteria associated with gum disease can worsen rheumatoid. Pregnancy complications, as a result of untreated gum disease has shown to increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies due to the inflammatory response in the mother. Beyond these direct connections, maintaining good oral health habits like regular brushing, flossing, seeing your dental hygienist for cleanings and having dental check-ups can positively impact overall well-being by reducing inflammation and infection risks throughout the body. Therefore, paying attention to your teeth and gums isn’t just about a beautiful bright white smile but can significantly contribute to better body health outcomes!

Key Points:

1. Your mouth health impacts your body health.

2. Inflammation and infection in your gums can chronically tax your immune system which can diminish your ability to keep conditions, symptoms and diseases at bay.

3. Poor mouth health linked to heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, dementia, respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy complications.

4. Regular homecare routine, getting your teeth cleaned and regular check-ups can improve not just oral health but overall health too.