Did you know that the state of your oral health can say a lot about your overall health? Or that the problems with your oral hygiene can impact the condition of your body? That’s why it’s good to learn more about the connection between oral health and overall health and protect yourself from falling victim to an unannounced illness. Let’s begin with understanding the connection, then move on to major health problems that can result from bad oral health.
The link between oral health and overall health
Like every other part of your body, your mouth is full of bacteria. While it can be harmless, you cannot ignore that your mouth is the access point to your respiratory and digestive tracts. Many of these bacteria can cause health problems.
Usually, your body’s natural defense mechanism and good oral hygiene routine like brushing and flossing every day keep the bacteria from harming you. But, if you lack good oral hygiene, bacteria can cause several oral infections, such as gum disease and early tooth decay.
Additionally, specific prescriptions can negatively impact saliva flow in the mouth. Saliva is important because it clears off food and contracts acids formed by bacteria in your mouth, assisting your mouth in dealing with microbes that multiply and cause disease.
Therefore, it becomes crucial that you regularly visit a dentist who can find regularity in your mouth. However, many of us neglect this advice.
But you must take care of your oral health to live a healthier life. Find a reputable dentist near your location by searching the internet with “dentist near me” on a search engine. Performing this simple task will land you in some of the best dental clinics around your area. However, make sure you pay a visit to your dentist regularly.
Next, let’s talk about some of the significant health issues that can arise from poor dental health:
Potential overall health issues from bad oral health
Diabetes
By decreasing the body’s defense against infections, diabetes puts your gums at critical risk. As a result, gum diseases are more frequent and harsh on people already with diabetes.
Furthermore, research reveals that people suffering from gum disease find it difficult to control or maintain their blood sugar levels. However, regular dental care can help improve oral health and diabetes.
Endocarditis
This is an infection of the interior lining of your heart valves or chambers. It mainly occurs when germs or other bacteria from a different part of the body (in this case, your mouth) circulate in your bloodstream and cling to a specific area in the heart.
Cardiovascular Disease
However, the connection between oral health and cardiovascular problems is not yet fully understood. Some research suggests that heart problems, closed arteries, and stroke occurrences might have a connection to infections and inflammation that bacteria in your mouth can cause.
Pneumonia
Some bacteria present in your mouth can reach your lungs. That may result in pneumonia and other severe respiratory problems.
A few last words on overall health and oral health
Your oral health is a significant factor impacting your overall wellness. Moreover, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to serious health issues. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to live an active and healthy life.