Did you know that your oral health can affect overall health, or simply put, the problems in your mouth can cause complications in your body?

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about oral health and how it can affect your overall health.

Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Your mouth is full of bacteria, which is mostly harmless. However, the mouth is an entry point to the respiratory and digestive tracts, and if you are not careful, some bacteria can lead to diseases.

Usually, bacteria can be kept under control by flossing and brushing the teeth. However, if you have bad oral health, bacteria can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections.

Moreover, some medications like antidepressants, painkillers, and decongestants can reduce the flow of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is extremely important as it washes food away and helps neutralize acids produced by the living bacteria found in the mouth. This process protects you from microbes that eventually cause diseases.

According to some studies, inflammation caused by gum disease and poor oral health can cause diseases in the body. Some diseases like AIDS/HIV and diabetes make the body more vulnerable to infections, making oral problems worse.

Conditions that Can Be Linked to Oral Health

Here are some diseases and conditions that can flare up due to bad oral health:

Endocarditis

Endocarditis, also known as inflammation of the heart, is an infection of the inner linings of the heart valves or chambers. This usually occurs when germs and bacteria from the mouth find their way into the bloodstream and attach themselves to different parts of the heart.

Cardiovascular Disease

Even though more research still needs to be conducted, studies show that inflammation of the mouth and infections caused by oral bacteria can lead to stroke, clogged arteries, and heart disease.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

There can be a number of reasons for premature birth and lower birth weight, but periodontitis has been linked to these two complications, suggesting that oral health can affect overall health.

Pneumonia

Some bacteria in the mouth can find their way into your lungs, which can cause you to develop respiratory diseases like pneumonia.

Health Conditions that can Affect Oral Health

Keep in mind that certain health conditions can also affect your oral health, such as:

Diabetes can make the body more vulnerable to infection, putting your gums at risk. Research shows that gum disease is more prevalent in those who have diabetes.

Individuals who suffer from AIDS/HIV are more likely to experience oral issues like mucosal lesions.

As Alzheimer’s disease develops, oral health starts to worsen.

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening illness that has been linked to tooth and bone loss. Some drugs that can be used to treat osteoporosis can cause damage to the bones in the jaw.

How Oral Health Can be Protected

If you are looking to protect your oral health, you must practice good oral hygiene. Here is how you can do that:

• Floss every day.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Limit sugary drinks and food.
• Use a new toothbrush every three to four months.
• Avoid using tobacco.
• Make use of mouthwash to get rid of any food particles that remain after brushing.

Conclusion.

If you think your oral health could be a concern for you, contact your dentist, or visit our online store and browse oral care products today!