How Your Oral Health is a Window to Your Overall Health
Your oral health is definitely more important than you probably realise. But how does the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth affect your overall health? Make sure to contact your dentist north wales as soon as any problems arrive. Looking after your oral health is an investment for your whole body.
What connects your oral health and overall health?
Like other parts of the body, your mouth holds lots and lots of bacteria — most of it completely harmless. However, your mouth is the start of your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can multiply and cause unwanted effects.
Normally the body’s natural defence system teamed with good oral health care, like your daily brushing and flossing schedule, keeps the bacteria at a healthy level. However, without proper care, bacteria can reach levels that result in oral infections, like tooth decay and gum disease (periodontitis).
Certain medications including; decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, and antidepressants sometimes have a side effect which reduces saliva flow. Saliva washes away food bits and neutralizes acids created by bacteria in our mouths. This helps to protect you from the microbes that multiply and result in disease.
Studies suggest that bacteria in our mouths and the inflammation that comes with a severe form of gum disease might have a part to play in serious diseases. And certain diseases, like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, also lower the body’s resistance to infection, making oral health problems even worse.
What issues are linked to oral health?
Your oral health might contribute to certain conditions, including:
Endocarditis.
An infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium) which typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from other parts of your body, like your mouth, spread to your bloodstream and affect certain areas in your heart.
Cardiovascular disease.
Although the link is not completely understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and also stroke might be connected to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria causes.
Pregnancy and birth complications.
Gum disease has been connected to premature birth and low birth weight.
Pneumonia.
Certain bacteria in your mouth can be carried to your lungs, leading to pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Other conditions which may be linked to oral health are eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, and an immune system disorder which causes you to have dry mouth.
