We all know that the risk of not brushing, flossing, and maintaining proper dental hygiene measures is cavities and tooth decay. However, a majority of people are not aware that the mouth can act as the entry point of harmful bacteria that can lead to other overall health problems. Therefore, do not underestimate your dentist’s advice when it comes to oral health if you want to have great overall health.
This article discusses how oral health can affect your overall health.
What Connection Does Oral Health have with Overall Health?
Oral health acts as the window to the rest of the body. It can give indications that something is not right in other body systems rather than the mouth. For example, lesions in the mouth can indicate that someone has an HIV infection. Bleeding gums may indicate a blood disorder.
On the other hand, failure to maintain proper oral health may cause complications to the overall health. As much as most bacteria in our mouth are good and help with digestion, some bacteria are harmful and can cause various diseases if neglected. These harmful bacteria can get their way into the bloodstream from the mouth. This happens if you have severe cavities.
Overall Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health
- Cardiovascular Disease
Poor oral hygiene can put you at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Gum disease causing bacteria can enter the bloodstream blocking the arteries that transport blood in and out of the heart. Over time, the plaque can harden into the arteries causing a life-threatening condition known as atherosclerosis.
- Respiratory Infections
The bacteria in the mouth causing swollen gums can get into the bloodstream and all the way to the lungs. Once in the lungs, it can cause various respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Diabetes
Periodontal disease can make diabetes more challenging to manage. Gum disease can make blood sugars difficult to stabilize. If you are suffering from diabetes, it is paramount that you take excellent care of your oral hygiene. Also, since gum disease makes it difficult to control blood sugars, a person suffering from gum disease increases their risk of getting diabetes.
- Pregnancy Complications
While a woman is pregnant, changes in body hormones can increase the risk of infections. Therefore, it is vital that pregnant women practice good oral hygiene and visit their dentist regularly. Infections from the mouth can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Issues with oral health such as gum disease can lead to premature or underweight infants.
- Kidney Disease
Research has shown a strong connection between kidney disease and periodontal disease. Kidney disease can impact your blood pressure, bones as well as heart. Therefore, it is paramount to take proper care of your oral health to avoid such complications.
Conclusion
There you have it; some of the overall health complications are linked to oral health. Your oral health does not only affect your teeth; it also affects your overall body. Therefore, you must practice proper oral hygiene measures. Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Group for professional cleaning and check-up.
