Why Oral Health Is Good for Your Overall Well-being
Did you know that the health of your oral cavity can determine your overall health?
Taking good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth is a rewarding goal.
A good dental and oral hygiene benefit you in so many ways.
It can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Plus, it can ensure healthy teeth as you get older.
As you know, poor dental health can lead to cavities and all those oral complications mentioned above.
What some don’t know is that severe health problems can arise because of poor oral hygiene.
You have been taught since childhood that you have to brush and floss at least twice a day.
Good oral hygiene is a must to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Poor oral hygiene will expose your mouth to bacteria that may cause dental caries and periodontitis.
The bacteria caused by poor oral health can enter your respiratory and digestive tracts since the mouth is the entry to these organs.
Protect yourself by examining the connection between your oral health and overall health.
Health Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Hygiene
Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions including:
Endocarditis
Also known as the endocardium, endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart valves and heart chambers.
It generally develops when fungi, bacteria, or other germs from another body part, such as your mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to the damaged areas of the heart.
Dementia
Gingivitis is one effect of poor oral hygiene, and the bacteria from gingivitis can find a passage to the brain through either the bloodstream or the nerve channels in the head.
Worse case, this could also lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease could happen when the bacteria from periodontal disease or inflammation of the gums enter the bloodstream and travel to the arteries resulting in the hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.
This condition involves blocked or narrowed blood vessels that can lead to chest pain (angina), stroke, or heart attack.
Pregnancy and birth complications
Periodontitis, or commonly known as gum disease, has been found as one of the causes of premature birth and low birth weight.
This is why pregnant women are advised to have regular dental checkups aside from regular visits to their gynaecologist.
Some medical conditions can also affect oral health
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that occurs if you have high blood sugar. If sugar is controlled poorly, oral health problems will probably be acquired.
Uncontrolled diabetes weakens white blood cells, which are the bodies’ main defence against bacterial infections.
Constant periodontal care can improve diabetes control since periodontal diseases and inflammation of the gums make it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels making diabetes worse.
Alzheimer’s disease
Studies found that gum disease is a probable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
A certain type of bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with gum disease is found in the brains of Alzheimer patients.
HIV / AIDS
HIV / AIDS weakens the immune system, which makes the body susceptible to different infections.
Some of the most common oral complications due to HIV are chronic dry mouth, oral candidiasis, gingivitis, canker sores, or bone loss around the teeth (periodontitis), to name a few.
Good Hygiene Habits are Essential
Regular brushing and flossing do more than just giving you that pearly white smiles.
They also help lower your risks of developing serious health complications.
Practice good oral hygiene daily—you are not only investing in your appearance but also on your overall health today and for the future.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist close to you to help you with your oral health, explore our listings!
