Did you know that your dental health has a direct connection to wellness throughout the body? It has been said that the mouth is the gateway to the body. Over the years, researchers and dental experts have found that the health and quality of your teeth and gums have an effect on your overall health.
Recently, reports came out that showed how people with severe gum disease are three times more likely to die from heart disease (when compared with patients who are living with healthy gums). So, if you are working to improve your overall wellness, then make sure that good dental care is part of your daily routine.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at the way your dental health might be impacting your body wellness. The more you learn about the impact of oral disease, the more you can see why it’s so important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent chronic disease and more serious health consequences later in life.
The Link Between the Body and Mouth
Many patients wonder: how does my dental health impact the rest of my body? The detail that you need to understand is the chronic inflammation that starts in the mouth and can spread quickly. If you have untreated tooth decay or gum disease, then oral bacteria are present and causing these infections. The body creates an inflammatory response in an attempt to fight the infection. Eventually, this inflammation can spread throughout the body.
For example, gum disease causes the protective barrier to weaken (the gums). If the gums are compromised, then it is like you’ve opened the invitation for unwanted health issues to move in.
There are actually many health concerns that have been linked to poor oral hygiene and dental health, including:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory Problems
- Stroke
Another question that comes up is whether gum disease is causing these serious health conditions or whether gum disease is a consequence of compromised health. Dental experts have suggested that it is like the “chicken and the egg” example: you might have gum disease that is causing inflammation and increasing the risk of serious health complications. At the same time, these health issues could be taking a toll on your body, which leads to a higher risk of oral health issues.
Potential Health Risks in Patients with Dental Issues
Whether you have tooth decay or periodontitis, there is a possibility that these oral health concerns could be leading to other more serious health complications. Your immune system is compromised because the body is working overtime in an attempt to fight off the infection. Here is an overview of some of the complications that poor dental health can lead to:
Heart Disease
A variety of cardiovascular diseases have been linked to gum disease. Since your body is dealing with systemic inflammation, there is a higher risk that the heart will also be affected by inflammation.
The bacteria that cause gum disease can actually travel through the bloodstream. When it reaches the heart, bacteria attach to the fatty deposits in the arteries and contribute to the formation of plaque. Over time, the plaque continues building up and reducing the flow of blood to the heart, which puts more stress on the heart. As a result, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases.
Diabetes
When a person has diabetes, then the blood sugar changes can take a toll on overall health. It’s common for patients with diabetes to have compromised immune systems, which makes it harder to fight off infections. For this reason, patients with diabetes often have a higher risk of gum disease. Most experts agree that diabetes and gum disease go hand in hand, with both conditions increasing the risk and likelihood of the other condition.
If you have diabetes, then it’s critical that you are proactive with preventive care to avoid more serious complications in the future. Not only do you need to be brushing and flossing every day, but also be proactive about regular dental appointments to diagnose potential issues in the earliest stages.
Respiratory Health
When bacteria are present in the mouth, then these small infections could contribute to the development of respiratory infections. These tiny organisms can be inhaled through the breathing and move into the lungs, which could be a reason why the infection spreads.
Patients with weakened immune systems who are dealing with gum disease have a much higher risk of mouth infections moving to the lungs. If your immune system is under-functioning, then you should maintain regular dental visits to monitor your gum health.
Other Common Health Concerns Linked to Dental Issues
There are many other ways that poor oral health could be contributing to overall health problems. Some of the other complications that might result from oral infections include:
- Dementia
- Pregnancy Complications
- Certain Types of Cancer
How to Protect Your Dental Health and Overall Health
If you want to protect your mouth and overall health at the same time, then consider a holistic health approach in the way that you are living. Prevention is much more effective than treatment! Start implementing a healthy lifestyle right now so that you can avoid common complications and health issues in the future.
- Always brush 2x per day and use toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel
- Floss once a day
- Schedule a dental checkup every six months
- Choose a healthy diet
- Avoid foods that increase the risk of cavities, such as desserts and sugar
FAQ
How oral health affects overall health?
Researchers are still studying to learn more about the link between oral health and overall health. Most experts suggest that this connection is due to systemic and chronic inflammation.
What are the best tips for improving oral health for better overall wellness?
Better oral health starts with the daily activities you are prioritizing at home. Be consistent about brushing and flossing your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Schedule a Dental Examination
If you have questions about your dental health, then it’s time to schedule an examination with our expert team. Contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas to learn more about available services.
