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The connection between our oral health and our overall well-being is a surprisingly close one. Our mouth seems like such a small part of our overall body in comparison to our larger bodily systems and organs, but our dental health, or lack of it, can have a profoundly negative effect on many different parts of our body if neglected. 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. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, more than 90% of all common diseases also come with oral symptoms.
These findings highlight just how intricately woven our oral health is with our general health. Poor dental health can also negatively impact a person’s mental health as well and their quality of life. In a recent Psychiatric News article, Antoinette V. Shappell, M.D., Pierre M. Cartier, D.M.D., M.P.H., note that “psychiatrists well understand the need to be aware of all of their patient’s health issues, but sometimes oral health gets overlooked.” Poor dental health can impact eating, speech, and self-esteem and lead to reduced social interactions, further harming mental well-being.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control found that, unfortunately, nearly half of American adults 30 and older are in some stage of gum disease. When we aren’t brushing or flossing regularly or properly, plaque can build up along our gumline, allowing for 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. This is a growing issue that can’t be ignored.
To showcase just how vital it is to take care of your teeth, we’ve compiled a list of some serious conditions that have been tied to poor dental health:
- 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.
Our team at Simply Smiles wants the best for you and your smile. Making our patients aware of the importance of prioritizing their oral health is our way of making sure they are living their best possible life. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and schedule regular dental check-ups and you’ll be taking all the right steps to ensure a healthy mouth. Call our office today so we can help you on your journey to, not only better dental health, but also better overall health.
Sources:
https://www.guardianlife.com/oral-and-overall-health
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.massdental.org/Public/Oral-Health-Topics/Oral-Health-Is-Overall-Health