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We often think of our mouths as just a small part of our anatomy, separate from the rest of our body’s systems. Our oral health seems so far removed from our cardiovascular health or mental health, and often, significantly less concerning. The health of our teeth doesn’t always seem as important as the health of our hearts – but what if we told you it was? The mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, and we argue that maintaining good oral health is key to your overall, whole-body health.
An article by Healthy People identified oral health as one of the 10 leading health indicators, alongside the more frequently talked-about factors such as nutrition, cancer, and heart disease. When we aren’t brushing or flossing properly, plaque can build up along our gumline, encouraging bacterial growth. This bacteria can enter our bloodstream where it’s carried to other areas of the body and can wreak havoc on our other bodily systems. Our oral health, or lack of it, impacts so many areas of our life, physically, mentally, and financially.
Poor oral health can cause debilitating pain leading to missed days at work or school. Kids can suffer from self-esteem issues if other children make remarks on the state of their unhealthy teeth. Not taking care of our teeth can impact the way we bite, talk, eat, and smile. When we weigh the consequences of not maintaining proper oral hygiene, it can be truly devastating.
According to research from the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% of all common diseases also come with oral symptoms. This research shows that preventative oral care is crucially tied to the state of our overall well-being. It is not something to take lightly. Here are just a few conditions that have been tied to poor oral care:
- Heart Disease and Stroke
- When plaque builds up on our teeth and bacteria grows and enters our bloodstream, this bacteria could travel to arteries in the heart and lead to several potentially fatal complications such as Atherosclerosis (when plaque develops on the artery walls and decreases blood flow, increasing your risk for stroke) or Endocarditis (when the inner lining of the heart becomes infected and inflamed and can lead to a heart attack).
- Diabetes
- Inflamed and infected gums can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Higher levels can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.
- Respiratory Infections
- Constantly inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums could transfer bacteria into your lungs and lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or bronchitis.
- Mental conditions
- There have been lab studies conducted that suggest that chronic oral bacterial infection may be a risk factor for developing late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Gingivitis bacteria can enter our brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream and lead to memory loss. In another vein, negative social effects from factors such as bad breath, missing or stained teeth, or bleeding gums can also have a negative impact on your mental health, and could lead to depression.
- Complications in Pregnancy
- Recent studies have found a connection between oral disease and premature births and low birth weight. This research suggests that pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a premature baby.
We don’t say these things to scare you, but rather to highlight the incredible importance of maintaining good oral health. Education is power, and at Simply Smiles, we want to empower you to make the best choices for not just your dental health, but your overall health. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and schedule regular dental check-ups and you’ll be on the path to success. If you have concerns about the state of your oral health, call our office today to schedule an appointment and our expert team would love to help you and your teeth start living your best life.
Sources:
https://www.fidleronthetooth.com/blog/whole-body-health/
https://www.brookhavendentalgroup.com/how-can-poor-oral-health-affect-the-rest-of-the-body/
https://www.guardianlife.com/oral-and-overall-health
https://www.massdental.org/Public/Oral-Health-Topics/Oral-Health-Is-Overall-Health