Did you know that your oral health can have an impact on your overall health? When you have problems with your mouth, it can impact the rest of your body. Studies have shown that there is a link between gum disease and various different health conditions. This is one of the reasons why it's so important to practice good oral hygiene and take care of your mouth, to not only take care of your teeth and gums, but to protect your health as a whole.
Your mouth has a lot of germs inside of it, and while most of these germs are harmless, some can cause problems. Your mouth brings air into the rest of your body through the respiratory tracts. This means that sometimes the germs that live in your mouth can be passed through the rest of your body, which may lead to some health issues. Understanding the link between oral health and overall health can help you stay well.
Our team at Affordable Dentures & Implants believe it's important to spread awareness as to exactly how bad oral hygiene may potentially lead to certain health issues. Heart, kidney, and sexual health are all key areas that can be linked to oral health.
Conditions that might be linked to oral health
Cardiovascular disease
Your oral health might play a part in some heart problems such as cardiovascular disease. It is said that there is a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart and blood vessel problems. More research suggests that infections caused by mouth germs might be linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and clogged arteries. This is why improving your oral hygiene is so important, as it can help reduce your risk of these concerns.
Endocarditis
Another condition that may be linked to bad oral health is endocarditis, which is a very rare infection of the inner lining of the heart valves. This condition is most commonly caused by bacteria from other areas of the body entering the bloodstream traveling to your heart. These bacteria can originate in your mouth, especially if you have gum disease or an abscess, before traveling through your bloodstream to the lining of the heart.
Diabetes
Research has indicated that gum disease can increase your blood sugar levels, which can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Additionally, diabetes can increase your chances of developing gum disease, as high blood sugar levels promote the growth of bacteria.
If you’re at risk of diabetes, prioritizing your oral health can help prevent gum disease, which in turn, might help keep your blood sugar levels more balanced.
Pneumonia
Those who have gum disease may be more prone to chest infections, which can lead to pneumonia. Those with gum disease have more bacteria in their mouths, which can enter the lungs and may cause pneumonia and other diseases. Research has suggested that one reason why it’s so important for denture wearers to regularly clean their dentures is that pneumonia-causing bacteria can build up on the devices, putting people who use them at greater risk of developing the condition.
Pregnancy and birth complications
Research has shown that gum disease may have an impact on pregnancy, as pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely. Premature birth can also result in a low-birth weight. This is because inflammation from gum disease may impact the placenta, triggering early labor contractions, which may result in an early birth.
HIV/AIDS
HIV weakens the immune system, which can make it harder to fight off infection, which can lead to oral health problems. Those with HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of oral health issues because of this, and may be more prone to problems such as canker sores, gum disease, and chronic dry mouth.
Cancer
Studies have shown that severe gum disease (periodontitis) is linked to some types of cancers. One study showed that women with periodontitis were at a higher risk of esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancers.
Alzheimer's disease
There has been a link between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease, but more research is needed to explore this more. One study found that those with Alzheimer's and gum disease fell into cognitive decline faster than those who did not have gum disease. Which suggests that poor oral health might potentially play a role in the development of Alzheimer's, but more research is needed to reach this conclusion.
Kidney disease
Inflammation caused by gum disease can impact the kidneys, which can put you at an increased risk of kidney disease. This inflammation is said to cause damage to blood vessels in your kidneys, which may affect their function and lead to kidney disease. Research has indicated that while gum disease might worsen kidney function, the inverse also applies - improving your gum health could actually help improve the health of your kidneys, too.
Rheumatoid arthritis
A study has shown that there may be a link between rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease. It was found that the bacteria that causes inflammatory gum infections also triggers the inflammatory response that those with rheumatoid arthritis have.
“My doctor told me that my dentist saved my life!” - how dentistry can help your overall health
Meet 79 year old Benjamin Plodzik, a man who described himself as being sick for “a very long time”. Benjamin visited plenty of doctors and each one told him they suspected he had cancer. Benjamin described shooting pain, night sweats, and having no energy.
As well as these scary symptoms, Benjamin also reported experiencing tooth pain, saying, “every time I would bite down on something, my teeth hurt.” Benjamin was told by another dentist that he needed his teeth removed due to an infection, but it was too expensive and they wanted him to go to another place for surgery. This back and forth was too much for Benjamin, and he decided to not go ahead with it.
This was until Benjamin saw an Affordable Dentures & Implants advertisement on TV, and he asked his wife to make the call. That was when Benjamin met Dr. Amel Hassan, and was scheduled for implant surgery. It went well, and Benjamin reported feeling better the very next day. Benjamin also told us his night sweats went away too, and he exclaimed that, “after three to five days, I was myself again!”
This story highlights how important paying attention to your dental health is, as Benjamin had no idea his health problems were due to his oral health.
How to improve your oral health
Looking after your oral health is straightforward and simple, you don’t have to invest in any fancy technology. Below are some tips and guidance on how you can take control of your oral health and help prevent gum disease and other dental problems.
Brush your teeth twice a day
The most effective way to avoid gum disease and protect your mouth is to brush thoroughly twice a day. You should make sure you brush every tooth and surface, ensuring no tooth is missed! If you find brushing taxing, you might want to switch to an electric toothbrush that can make the job a lot easier for you.
Brushing helps to remove plaque and tartar, which causes gum disease. This is why it's crucial to make sure you brush twice daily, as it actively helps to fight against gum disease.
Remember to floss!
Flossing is a vital component of any oral health routine. Flossing ensures you remove food particles from along your gum line and in between your teeth. When you floss, you catch the areas that brushing can’t reach, ensuring your entire mouth is cleaned and protected.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash can dislodge any food particles hidden in your mouth, and also help to kill bacteria in your mouth. This helps to fight against gum disease, and has the added benefit of freshening your breath too! You could use a mouthwash with fluoride in it to prevent gum diseases and tooth decay, however, do not use any mouthwash directly after brushing your teeth. This is because the mouthwash could remove the fluoride from your toothpaste on your teeth, meaning you’d lose out on its protective benefits
Visit your dentist regularly
One of the most important and effective ways to maintain your oral health and fight against gum disease is to visit your dentist. Making regular dentist appointments allows your dentist to examine your teeth for any early signs of oral health problems. By catching issues early on, yourdentist can treat you promptly before it can get worse.
Your dentist can also advise you on brushing techniques, toothpaste recommendations, and any other questions you may have about how to best protect your mouth.
Here at Affordable Dentures & Implants, it’s our mission to help you maintain a happy and healthy smile that you feel confident about. We aim to deliver excellent dental services to everyone no matter your budget. If you’re concerned about your oral health, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation at your local branch. Our team can help restore your smile with care and compassion.