The body is made up of several parts, all of which are connected in one way or another. As such, one area can have more impact than you may realize. As you take care of your body in efforts to boost your general body health, you should not neglect your mouth. This is because issues with your dental health can also pose a risk to the rest of your body. The following are some of the ways in which your oral health can affect your overall health.
The entry of Germs into the Body
Brushing, flossing, and other forms of oral care help to keep the teeth clean and healthy and maintain the bacteria in the mouth at manageable levels. Poor oral hygiene on the other hand will lead to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria which promotes the formation of plaque. This can result in oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Gum disease can move from gingivitis to more a more severe case known as periodontal disease. These can play a role in the emergence of other body infections. This is because the inflammation in the mouth can allow entry of bacteria into the body.
Defense against Infections Due to Saliva
Saliva contains antibodies that help to defend the body against harmful micro-organisms by attacking them before they enter the body. Saliva also helps to wash away food particles left in the mouth and neutralize any acids produced. A healthy mouth with enough saliva production can therefore help to prevent the contraction of oral diseases as well as other body infections.
Consequently, low levels of saliva production can pose a risk to your overall health. This drop in saliva flow is likely to be brought about by certain diseases or treatments. When this occurs, it interferes with the balance of bacteria in the mouth. If your body is experiencing low immunity, these oral bacteria can develop into infections in other parts of your body.
Help to Make Diagnosis
Your mouth is a significant part when it comes to your body’s health as it can reveal what is going on with the rest of your body. With just a swab of saliva or a visual examination, your doctor is able to tell whatever that may be occurring inside your body. This especially works with diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Diabetes that affect more than one part of the body. Such diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth with mouth sores or other dental problems.
Hence, issues in your mouth can be an indicator of other severe health issues and should not be ignored. By helping to diagnose and monitor certain diseases, your oral health is therefore crucial for your overall health.
Health Issues that Are Connected to Oral Health
Oral infections can lead to inflammation of the gums causing them to pull away from the teeth. This provides an entryway for oral bacteria into the bloodstream and to other parts of the body and may lead to conditions such as:
Endocarditis
When oral bacteria gets into the bloodstream, it may find itself in the heart where it attaches itself and causes Endocarditis. This is an infection that affects the inner lining of the heart chambers causing them to get inflamed.
Heart Attack and Stroke
The inflammation and bacteria in the mouth can also lead to other cardiovascular diseases. As this bacteria enters the rest of the body through the bloodstream, it may end up causing inflammation in other parts of the body such as the arteries. This inflammation can cause blockages in the arteries increasing one’s risk of getting a heart attack or stroke.
Complications with Pregnancy and Birth
Severe gum disease is also seen to increase the risk of premature birth as well as low birth weight babies. The toxins released due to oral infections will enter the mother’s bloodstream and eventually into the placenta. This may affect the healthy growth and development of the fetus. They may also induce an early production of labor-triggering substances which will, in turn, lead to premature birth.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Diabetes can put one at a greater risk of getting gum disease. On the other hand, severe gum disease can as well affect the diabetes condition. The infection may interfere with blood sugar control by creating resistance against insulin absorption which is meant to lower blood sugar levels. This makes diabetes more difficult to control.
Taking care of your mouth through proper dental hygiene will not only benefit your oral health but your overall health as well. This is because there is a connection between your mouth and the rest of the body. Oral infections can therefore result in other health conditions, some of which are life-threatening.