Health and Wellness, Lifestyle

What’s the Link Between Your Teeth and Overall Health?

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If you stay on top of your appointments with a dentist in Townsville, you’re doing yourself a huge favor. If you still don’t know it, your oral health tells a lot about your overall health and vice versa.

What has one got to do with the other?

Your mouth is the entry to your stomach and your respiratory tract. Though mostly harmless, it’s full of germs that can become harmful without proper oral hygiene.

● Daily brushing and flossing are your first line of defense against gum disease and tooth decay.
● Without proper oral care, germs from your mouth can travel to different parts of the body and cause infections.
● Some medications can lead to dry mouth, reducing the amount of saliva necessary to get those germs under control.

Poor Oral Health Equals Poor Overall Health

Cardiovascular diseases, such as clogged arteries, stroke, and coronary artery disease, are associated with poor oral health. Research shows that the germs causing oral inflammation and infection play a part in these conditions.

● Endocarditis or inflammation of your heart valves’ lining can be caused by germs from other parts of the body. If you contract a bacterial infection after a tooth extraction and you have an existing heart disease, the chances of you developing endocarditis are higher compared to others who have a healthy heart.
● Pneumonia has been linked to cavity-causing bacteria that may have travelled to the upper airway and into the lungs.
● Poor oral health is also closely linked to several pregnancy and birth complications. These include fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

Health Conditions That Can Impact Oral Health

If germs and bacteria from the mouth can cause serious health conditions, the reverse is also true.

● People with diabetes are at risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis due to high blood sugar. Plaque-causing bacteria feed on the sugar in saliva, which is elevated in diabetics.
● With their weakened immune system, many HIV-positive patients suffer from various dental problems, such as dry mouth, thrush, and tooth loss. Oral lesions are also one of the earliest and most common indicators of HIV.

● Osteoporosis is also closely linked with a periodontal disease called alveolar bone loss. This affects your jawbone, which plays a role in your overall mouth health.

As you can see, as simple as brushing your teeth regularly and consistently can save you from a world of pain and health problems. Keeping your mouth healthy and clean goes a long way in preventing health problems that might be fatal. With this in mind, be sure to visit your dentist regularly. My Family Dental is a top-rated clinic that can help with oral care and maintenance.

Ultimately, making regular dental checkups and committed oral hygiene a priority is the smartest form of preventative care you can invest in for your complete physical health. According to this experienced emergency dentist in Port Charlotte FL, by taking these proactive steps, you ensure your smile stays strong and beautiful, reinforcing the fact that a healthy mouth truly is the gateway to a healthy body.

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