Your overall health can be viewed through your oral health.
Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Find out how your oral health (including your gums, teeth, and mouth) can affect your overall health.
By Marmaris Dental Center Staff
Did you know that your mouth can reflect your overall health? It can also harm your whole body. Find out more about the link between oral health, overall health, and dental health.
What is the relationship between dental, overall, and oral health?
Your mouth functions just like the rest of your body. Although it’s full of bacteria, most of the bacteria are harmless. It is the entry point for your digestive and respiratory tracts, which can lead to illness.
Good oral hygiene and natural defenses help to keep bacteria under control. If hygiene is not maintained, bacteria can multiply to the point that they could cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Some medications, such as antihistamines and other painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants, antihistamines and antihistamines, antidepressants, antidepressants, and decongestants, can reduce saliva flow. Saliva is responsible for washing away food particles from your mouth and neutralizing acids from bacteria. This protects you from microbes that could multiply and cause illness.
Studies have shown that some diseases can be linked to severe gum disease (periodontitis) and oral bacteria. Oral health problems can be worsened by certain diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
What conditions can be linked to poor oral health, and how can they be treated?
Your oral health can be a factor in many conditions and diseases.
Endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocarditis). This is when germs or bacteria spread from your bloodstream to infect specific parts of your heart.
Cardiovascular disease. Research shows that inflammation and infections due to oral bacteria could be linked to stroke, heart disease, and clogged vessels.
Pregnancy and complications at birth. Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.
Pneumonia. Pneumonia may be caused by bacteria buildup in your mouth.
Certain conditions can also affect your oral health, including:
Diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease by decreasing your immunity to infection. Gum disease is a common condition in diabetes. It appears to be more prevalent in people with diabetes.
Studies have shown that gum disease can make it harder to manage blood sugar. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS patients are more susceptible to developing oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions.
Osteoporosis. This bone-weakening condition can be associated with tooth loss or periodontal bone loss. Minor damage can be caused by some drugs used to treat osteoporosis.
Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s can worsen your oral health.
Other conditions affecting oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid, and certain cancers.
Tell your dentist about any changes in your health or medications, especially if you have recently been diagnosed with a chronic condition like diabetes.
What can I do for my mouth health?
To maintain oral health, it is important to practice good oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth should take at most two minutes twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Use mouthwash to remove food particles after brushing and flossing.
To maintain a healthy diet, limit sugary foods and drinks.
Every 3-4 months, your toothbrush should be changed. You can replace your toothbrush sooner if the bristles are worn out or sloppy.
Regular cleanings and checkups are important.
It is not advised to smoke.
If you have any problems with your oral health, it is important to contact your dentist right away. It’s a smart investment to take good care of your teeth.