Your mouth is the clear reflection of what is happening in the rest of your body. The health of your mouth can have a deep impact on the rest of your body. Chronic and low-grade oral diseases can sometimes result in serious system problems such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and premature birth.
Why does oral health matter?
Your mouth is the gateway to the body, and everything is all related. Nearly everything that reaches the internal organs goes through your mouth, such as food, air, bacteria, and viruses. Poor dental health gives you a clear sense of overall health. Here are the conditions of poor oral health:
Gingivitis is when bacteria infect your gums. It’s a mild, early form of gum disease. Periodontal diseases are caused by infection of the gums that leads to inflamed gums and bone loss around the teeth. Tooth decay, such as from untreated cavities.
How do poor oral health issues affect your overall health?
It is not merely about the yellow smiles or bad breadth, but poor oral health can also contribute to serious health issues that can affect the whole body. Some of the common issues are:
Cardiovascular disease: It refers to a group of disorders that are related to the heart and the blood vessels. Poor oral health can be associated with cardiovascular diseases such as:
Coronary artery disease: Coronary artery disease problems can be a reason for heart disease and lead to heart attack and even heart failure. It is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Clogged arteries: There are many studies that show an association between periodontal disease and higher rates of atherosclerosis. When plaque builds up inside your blood vessels, it can cause low delivery of blood and oxygen to your heart and your body.
Stroke: Studies show a strong association between stroke and periodontal disease, especially strokes related to atherosclerosis.
Endocarditis: Endocarditis is a disease caused by inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, which is known as the endocardium. It typically occurs when bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream and attach to abnormal heart valves or damaged heart tissue. It can caused by bacterial infection that you get during procedures like tooth extraction.
Pregnancy and birth complications: Poor oral health during pregnancy can create an increased risk of complications. Gum disease can let the bacteria enter the bloodstream and can lead to premature birth or low birth weight babies. Check out how poor oral health can affect birth-related issues:
- Miscarriage.
- Stillbirth.
- Preeclampsia.
- Fetal growth restriction.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Low birth weight.
Taking care of oral health during this important time impacts the health of both mother and child.
Pneumonia: Cavities can be linked to developing pneumonia, a lung infection caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Pneumonia infects the lungs, and it can be caused by these oral bacteria entering the lower respiratory tract. Those with periodontitis are at a higher risk as inflammation allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream more readily.
Other issues: A healthy mouth gives you the ability to consume healthy meals. It is essential for our survival, and our survival really depends on healthy teeth and gums.
You will get poor nutrition when you have untreated cavities, and it can result in the growth and development of your children. It can also create issues like.
- Facial swelling.
- Gum disease.
- Cellulitis (a bacterial infection)
What Affects Your Oral Health?
Oral health is so important to your overall well-being. Here are some of the main factors that can impact the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums:
1. Diet – Eating too many acidic or sugary foods can increase your risk of cavities. Healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is better for your teeth. Limit sugary or acidic drinks and snacks.
2. Oral Hygiene – Brushing twice a day and flossing keeps your teeth and gums clean. This prevents plaque buildup and tooth decay. It is important to have them done regularly to maintain good oral health.
3. Genetics – Some people may get tooth decay or gum disease due to genetic issues. Know your family history and take precautions.
4. Grinding/Clenching – Grinding or clenching your teeth, known as bruxism, can wear down enamel over time. Using a mouthguard can help prevent damage.
How to practice good oral hygiene:
After reading all this, if you have become panicked about your oral health, then don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to improve your oral health and hygiene habits. Here is what you can do.
Brush your teeth daily: You need to brush your teeth for two minutes to ensure that there is no bacteria left behind. You can also use an electric toothbrush.
Floss daily: Though brushing is the first step to keeping a check on your teeth’s health, your toothbrush cannot reach all of the areas. And that is why dental floss become a prominent way to remove food particles from the areas where the brush cannot reach. If you are unsure about the flooding techniques, then you should ask your dentist about this.
Visit your dentist regularly: You should not visit the dentist when you have problems that need to be addressed. Preventing the issues before they become major issues is more important. Here is how a dentist can help you:
- Dentists can provide professional help and advice specific to your needs
- Oral Cancer Detection
- Find out about Plaque, Tartar, and Cavities
- Keep a check on Bad Habits
- Find Problems Under the Surface With X-Rays
You need to visit the dentist every six months as it is essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums.
Manage your other health concerns: Managing conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis is vital to keeping your mouth healthy.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: It’s important to take care of both your body and your mouth to maintain good health. You can achieve it by exercising regularly, consuming nutritious foods, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive drinking.
Conclusion:
The health of your smile can also make people around you happier. Proper oral hygiene is about keeping your mouth healthy. There is a clear connection between oral health and overall health. Connect with Versailles Dental Clinic in Dubai to minimize the risk of oral health issues.
