(Newswire.net — June 18, 2019) — One of the first skills we learn as toddlers are practicing good oral health. How dental health affects overall health is crucial. We understand and pass down the importance of oral health habits to our children by teaching them to brush their teeth twice or more a day, floss and rinse with mouthwash. Although you know this basic rule of health, what you might not know is there a connection to oral health and whole body health.
How Dental Health Affects Overall Health
The condition of our oral health can hint to other overall health issues our body is experiencing.
- Endocarditis – When there is a high build-up of bacteria in another part of the body, it can spread through the bloodstream and attach to areas of the heart. The affected areas are the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
- Cardiovascular disease- Those who specialize in cardiovascular issues have stated that a stroke or clogged arteries are linked to the inflammation or infections found in oral bacteria.
- Birth complications – Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia – Respiratory infections and other diseases can be caused by certain bacteria traveling from the mouth to the lungs.
Other diseases or conditions can cause bad oral health even if you take optimal care of your mouth.
- Diabetes – Those who have diabetes are known to have an increase in gum disease because their body lacks resistance to infections.
- HIV/AIDS – Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoporosis – Bone weakening diseases or vitamin deficiencies that affect bones can cause tooth decay or loss of teeth. Certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
- Alzheimer’s disease – Oral health is just one of the things that start to worsen when someone is having a progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Make sure your dentist or orthodontist is aware of any medications that you are taking as some medications can cause oral health issues or bacteria build up.
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- High blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants
- Sedatives
- Pain medications
- Parkinson’s disease medications
- Antacids
How To Have Good Oral Health
- Schedule regular dentist appointments to stay on top of any issues in your oral health and get routine cleanings.
- Use a soft bristled brush to brush your teeth at least twice a day or in between meals.
- Make sure you remove your wisdom teeth when necessary.
- Floss before bed or between meals to clean out food from in between teeth. Leaving food particles in your teether all day or overnight can cause gum disease or gum receding.
- Finish off your oral health routine with mouthwash to eliminate any remaining small food particles or bacteria left after brushing and flossing.
- Replace your toothbrush every 6-9 weeks or as soon as the bristles start to fray or fade in color.
Hopefully, you now understand how dental health affects overall health. If you are concerned as to whether there is a connection to oral health and whole body health, ask your oral health specialist about more information on these issues. Make sure you are practicing a healthy oral cleaning routine to ensure you avoid any problems or diseases that can be caused by bacteria build up in the mouth.