What Effects Your Oral Health Has on Your Overall Health

You know you should brush and floss every day, but you might be surprised to learn that it's not doing much to prevent cavities and keep your teeth dazzling white. It's also because keeping your mouth healthy is an important aspect of your overall fitness and well-being.

Oral health is linked to complete-body fitness, this means that issues along with your teeth and gums can cause other health worries like heart disease, stroke and more. Periodontist Sasha Ross, DMD, MS, explains the relationship between oral health and the rest of your body, consisting of how you can best exercise exact dental hygiene.

Why is oral health important?

Because your dentist is different from your doctor, or because your dental insurance isn't packaged with the rest of your health insurance, you can conceive of your mouth as separate from the rest of your body.

"In reality," Dr. Ross explains, "you should conceive of your mouth as an extension of the rest of your body." "I often get a sense of a person's general health by looking in their mouth."

Having negative oral health can encompass conditions like:

-Gingivitis, when bacteria infect your gums. It’s a mild, early form of gum disorder.

-Periodontal disorder is a gum contamination that leads to inflamed gums and bone loss around teeth.

-Tooth decay, like from untreated cavities.

What can happen if your oral health is poor?

Aside from yellowing teeth and bad breath, poor dental health can contribute to a variety of health problems that affect your entire body. Dr. Ross explains some of the most important.

Cardiovascular illness

The term "cardiovascular disease" refers to a range of illnesses affecting your heart and blood arteries. Poor dental health is linked to various types of cardiovascular disease, including:

Coronary artery disease is the most frequent type of heart disease and can result in a heart attack, heart failure, and other complications. In the United States, it is the leading cause of death.

Clogged arteries: Studies suggest that persons with periodontal disease had much higher rates of atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque builds up inside the blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body.

Stroke: Studies reveal a clear link between periodontal disease and strokes, particularly atherosclerosis-related strokes.

"Keep in mind that, while cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease are related with each other, there is no evidence that one causes the other," Dr. Ross cautions.

Endocarditis

If you have heart disease or other heart-related health problems, you are more likely to develop endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the lining of your heart valves (and sometimes the lining of your heart chambers).

"Endocarditis is caused by a bacterial infection that can be contracted during surgeries such as teeth extractions," adds Dr. Ross. "It doesn't usually damage healthy hearts, but if you already have cardiac problems, it can be fatal."

Complications during pregnancy and childbirth

When you're pregnant, you have an added reason to look after your body, especially your mouth. Poor oral health is linked to the following in pregnant women:

*Fetal growth restriction.

*Gestational diabetes.

*Low birth weight.

*Miscarriage.

*Stillbirth.

*Preeclampsia.

"Once again, the theory is that oral bacteria might enter the bloodstream and harm the fetus," Dr. Ross says.

Pneumonia

Cavities have been associated to pneumonia, which is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus.

"The theory is that germs from the mouth might aspirate into the upper airway and into the lungs, possibly causing pneumonia," adds Dr. Ross. "It also makes bacteria that cause respiratory infections more likely to stick in the lungs."

Other concerns

Of course, having a healthy mouth is essential for being able to swallow healthy meals. "The process of eating, which is fundamental for our life," Dr. Ross explains, "actually depends on having teeth in your mouth and good teeth and gums."

Cavities that go untreated can contribute to poor nutrition as well as decreased growth and development in youngsters. They can also produce problems such as:

Cellulitis (a bacterial infection)

Swelling of the face.

Dental illness.

What factors influence your oral health?

There are several elements that contribute to the link between oral and systemic health. Dr. Ross explores some of the connections.

Typical risk factors

• A number of risk factors are shared by periodontal disease and systemic illnesses, including:
• A bad diet, particularly one heavy in sugar.
• Tobacco consumption.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• High levels of anxiety.

All of these factors can induce periodontal disease or cavities, as well as systemic health conditions, so it stands to reason that if you have one or more of these risk factors, you may have other health concerns.

Genetics

"Some people are just more predisposed to having periodontal disease and systemic problems," Dr. Ross explains.

The immune system's reaction to bacteria

This one isn't hereditary in the traditional sense, but it is tied to your distinct and innate physical responses.

"Everyone's body reacts differently to microorganisms," Dr. Ross explains. "For example, our bodies produce a massive response to microorganisms, which can cause inflammation and other damage in certain people."

In persons with periodontal disease and systemic disease, inflammatory molecules such as C-reactive protein are frequently high.

Some medical conditions

In the same way that poor oral health can contribute to other medical illnesses, various diseases and disorders can create oral health issues.

Diabetes is one of the most serious. "People with poorly controlled diabetes have a considerably higher chance of acquiring periodontal disease and of that periodontal disease progressing and becoming more severe," Dr. Ross explains.

Osteoporosis is also linked to periodontal disease, since studies show that the condition's poor bone mineral density might impact your jaw. Periodontal disease-related bone loss is known as alveolar bone loss, which refers to the portion of your jawbone that contains tooth sockets.

Other conditions that can have an impact on your dental health include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Fibromyalgia.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Cancer of the prostate.
• Arthritis rheumatoid.

"Many studies are being published right now that indicate links between these illnesses and periodontal disease," Dr. Ross explains. "We anticipate more evidence shortly demonstrating a relationship between them."

How to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Take a deep breath if you're starting to stress because you haven't flossed your teeth today (or this week). There are numerous things you can do right now to improve your dental hygiene practices and keep your mouth happy and healthy.

Here's what Dr. Ross suggests.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use fluoridated toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes. Dr. Ross suggests that you use an electric toothbrush.
• Floss your teeth once a day. Use genuine dental floss rather than floss picks to reach those difficult-to-clean areas. If you're not sure if you're flossing correctly, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you how.
• Other oral hygiene tools at home can be tried. Mouthwash and Waterpik® are two products that might help you keep your teeth and gums in good condition.
• You should see your dentist twice a year. Regular checkups, X-rays, and cleanings will maintain your smile healthy and beautiful. "It has been established that seeing your dentist more frequently reduces your risk of suffering a stroke and other diseases," Dr. Ross explains.
• Schedule a consultation with a periodontist. If you've never been to one, now is the time! Dr. Ross suggests seeing a periodontist on an annual basis to ensure the health of your gums and jaw (and help you keep them that way).

Take care of your other health issues. Keeping your mouth healthy requires focusing on heart health and treating illnesses such as diabetes and osteoporosis.

Maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. What is excellent for your body is also good for your mouth. To stay healthy, strive to exercise on a regular basis, eat nutritious foods, and avoid excessive smoking and drinking.

"Treating your oral health can have an effect on your entire health, so it's critical to take care of your teeth and mouth," Dr. Ross emphasizes.

What if you're terrified of seeing the dentist?

The truth is that dentists, periodontists, and orthodontists are aware that you may be afraid to visit them. They're also competent at working with nervous patients to make the entire procedure less stressful.

"There are so many ways we can help you not be afraid," Dr. Ross says, "and there are so many benefits to having regular dental care that we truly hope you won't let your worries keep you away."