How Dental Health Affects Overall Health

You may not realize how important your dental health is in ensuring general wellness. Taking good care of your teeth will not only give you a beautiful smile but will also improve your overall health. 

You can prevent costly dental procedures and long-term health problems by developing good oral hygiene habits as early as possible including brushing, flossing, and limiting sugar consumption.

Potential Impacts

Several vital organs such as the heart, stomach, and kidneys are impacted by the condition of your teeth and mouth. Infections and inflammations of the oral cavity can spread to numerous body parts.

·         How can your dental health affect your heart?

The build-up of plaque on your teeth can occur if you do not brush and floss daily. You may be at higher risk of heart attack as a result. It's not only cholesterol that blocks arteries.

An American Heart Foundation study found that plaque in the mouth can contribute to coronary artery disease. Eventually, plaque can build up in arteries of the heart and can cause heart attacks or strokes.

·         What is the link between dental health and strokes?

Researchers have investigated the possible link between strokes and mouth infections and found that people with gum disease stand a higher risk of developing strokes.

·         The connection between oral health and diabetes?

Periodontitis (inflammation of the gums), when left untreated, can lead to a condition where the gums pull away from the teeth and gaps develop. 

Infections can quickly spread through these gaps. Periodontitis can make absorbing insulin medication difficult for people with diabetes. The difficulty in absorbing insulin leads to higher blood sugar levels and increases inflammation of the gums. It is important for people who have diabetes to maintain good oral health.

·         How can your dental health affect your lungs?

Infections can develop in the lungs from bacteria originating in the throat or mouth. Existing conditions could be aggravated leading to developing pneumonia.

The bacteria from diseased gums may make people more likely to contract chest infections. Frail, elderly persons are at higher risk of dying of pneumonia. Good dental health can lessen this risk considerably.

·         How dental health can affect your unborn baby?

Poor oral health can have an effect on the development of babies in utero. As pregnancy hormones increase, dental problems can worsen. Periodontitis increases the risk of babies being born prematurely or with low birth weight. 

What Signs Should you look out for?

If you have any of the following symptoms of oral disease, you should see your dentist:

• Inflammation of the gums causes them to swell and bleed easily when brushed

• A bad taste in the mouth

• Loose teeth

• Bad breath

• Frequent mouth infections

Bottom Line

You can improve your overall health by prioritizing your tooth and gum health. Book a visit a with your dental professional for a checkup today.