Have you ever thought that your oral health has a great impact on your overall health? It might be new to hear about this, but the fact is that your oral health (the condition of your gums and teeth, has a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. It might be surprising to understand that the advantages of good dental hygiene enhance much further than your mouth. In this blog, we will learn on how your oral health or dental health has an impact on your overall health.
Your mouth, like the rest of your body, is infested with bacteria, most of which are harmless. Nevertheless, since your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts, some of these bacteria can cause illness. Bacteria are normally kept under control by the body's natural defense mechanisms and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing. Moreover, without good oral hygiene, bacteria levels can rise to the point where they can cause oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease.
According to research, studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation are linked with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) may play a role in some diseases. Furthermore, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can reduce the body's resistance to infection, worsening oral health problems.
Researchers have discovered a link between oral health and overall wellness. And when it comes to the connection with gum disease, it has been linked to a variety of illnesses, including heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, and osteoporosis and also including pregnancy and birth complications.
Overall conditions that are linked to your oral health
1. Cardiovascular disease
When plaque accumulates around the teeth, gum disease develops. And is a different type of plaque made of fat, calcium, cholesterol, and other compounds found in blood which can build up inside arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This plaque has the potential to narrow arteries, cutting off blood flow And can also rupture, causing a blood clot.
According to the studies conducted at University of North Carolina School of Dentistry has found that people dealing with gum diseases are two times more likely to die from a heart problem when compared and three times more likely to have a stroke. However, there could not be a direct link. Many people who have heart disease have healthy gums, and not everyone who has gum disease has heart problems. Shared risk factors, such as smoking or eating an unhealthy diet, could explain the link. There is still a growing suspicion that gum disease is a separate risk factor for heart disease.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes impairs the body's immune system, putting your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more common and severe in diabetics. According to research People who have gum disease have a much more tough time controlling their blood sugar levels.
Severe gum disease can impair your blood sugar control and increase your risk of developing long-term diabetes complications. Diabetes patients should have regular dental checkups, which should include a gum health evaluation, which helps in early detection and management.
3. Pregnancy Complications
Dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis are the most common maternal oral diseases that may have an impact on pregnancy outcome. Pregnancy causes many hormones to change, that increases the risk to develop periodontal diseases. Many research studies have linked these oral problems to preeclampsia, low birth weight babies, and premature birth.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the skeletal structure, characterized by the reduction in bone mass and structural changes in bone, leading to an increased bone fragility and an increased risk of fracture. As a result, those suffering from osteoporosis may be more vulnerable to the effects of periodontal disease. A study conducted has shown that Patients suffering from osteoporosis are seven times more likely to develop periodontitis.
Osteoporosis may cause periodontal bone and tooth loss in addition to weakening the bones in the body. Medication used to treat osteoporosis also carries a small risk of causing damage to the jaw bones.
5. Pneumonia
Periodontal disease has been studied extensively as a risk factor for various types of pneumonia, including aspiration pneumonia, HAP, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. It was found that having more dental caries and missing teeth was associated with greater occurrence of pneumonia. Studies conducted have suggested that oral diseases, particularly periodontal disease, may have an impact on the progression of respiratory infections such as bacterial pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oral periodontopathic bacteria can be inhaled and cause aspiration pneumonia.
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Periodontitis (PD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are immunoinflammatory diseases that cause alveolar bone loss, synovitis, and joint destruction, respectively, due to leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory mediators.
According to one study conducted, people with Rheumatoid Arthritis are two times more likely to develop gum diseases than those without it. And another research reveals that 65% of RA patients also had gum disease, compared to only 28% of non-RA patients. Experts discovered that the severity of periodontal disease was also worse in people with RA in both studies.
We can simply explain it as, the greater the tooth loss caused by gum disease, the greater the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Alzheimer’s (AD)
Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that worsens with age. And when it comes to the connection between periodontal disease and Alzeimer’s. Periodontitis is also thought to be a possible risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. A growing body of research has found a link between oral health and chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes, which affect millions of people.
Memory ability declined six times faster in people with gum disease when compared. The researchers concluded that gum disease is linked to an increase in cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, possibly through mechanisms related to the body's inflammatory response.
Prevention
● Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
● Use mouthwash
● Floss daily
● Maintain a balanced diet
● Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months
● Plan for regular check-ups
Follow these simple steps to safeguard your oral and dental health and to lower your risk of developing other health problems. VISTADENT dental facility offers a variety of dental services with exceptional care and personal attention. We maintain doctor consistency, which allows our patients to have a pleasant and welcoming environment while getting essential therapy, and it allows the patient to comfortably follow up on the treatment in future years.
VISTADENT cleans and sterilizes old equipment with great care, and our motto is "HYGIENE AND HEALTH GO HAND IN HAND." We plan our visits so that we may disinfect the equipment before using them on the following patient.
Our doctors will always give the patient honest advice about their concerns and will never make false promises because they will mislead the patient and cause additional complications. Please contact us if you have any further queries Contact Us