Oral health: A window to your overall health
Written By Melissa De Jesus:
Your mouth is more than just the gateway to your body—it’s a reflection of your overall health. Research shows a strong link between oral hygiene and systemic diseases. These diseases include diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
How Does It Happen?
Periodontal disease, allows harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout your body. Poor oral health has also been linked to complications during pregnancy and difficulties in managing chronic illnesses like diabetes.
The Good News?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and biannual professional cleanings, will significantly reduce these risks.
Let’s dive a little deeper. A pretty smile is more than just taking care of your teeth and gums, its about taking care of your overall well-being.
Compelling evidence has been uncovered by scientists and health professionals suggesting a direct link between the health of your mouth, or lack thereof, affecting the health of your entire body.
How Does Oral Health Affect The Body Entirely?
Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria, many are beneficial but some are harmful bacteria. If you neglect your oral hygiene, you run the risk of allowing this harmful bacterium to thrive which will indefinitely lead to gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis or tooth decay.
A greater issue arises when the bacteria from an untreated oral infection enters the bloodstream triggering inflammation in other parts of the body causing chronic diseases.
Conditions linked to poor oral health include:
- Heart disease – research suggests that cardiovascular disease is one of the strongest links between oral health and systemic diseases. Gum disease can increase the risk for heart attacks or strokes. This occurs when the same bacteria that caused a gum infection, enters the bloodstream and thus, contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries. A condition known as atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes – high blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can worsen periodontal disease, while untreated periodontal disease, can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. This is a complex and dynamic two-way relationship.
- Respiratory infections – the bacteria from an infected mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This typically poses more of a concern for the elderly or those with a compromised immune system.
- Pregnancy complications – Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to experience complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight. The inflammation from gum disease can release chemicals that affect the development of the baby, which is why oral care is vital during pregnancy. Preferably in the second trimester, that is the safest period to treat dental problems or have a cleaning done.
- Alzheimer’s disease- Emerging research states a link between chronic periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease suggesting long-term exposure to harmful oral bacteria may contribute to brain inflammation, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
How Can You Protect Your Oral And Overall Health?
The good news is that improving your oral hygiene can significantly reduce your risk of systemic diseases. Here are some steps you can take to protect your health:
Brush twice a day: With a soft bristle brush, in gentle circular motions for 2 minutes. Using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss daily: Flossing helps remove debris and bacteria from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Visit an oral health practitioner biannually: Professional cleanings and check-ups allow us to detect and treat oral health issues early, preventing them from affecting your overall health.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use increases your risk of periodontal disease, heart disease, and many other health problems.
Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports both oral and systemic health.
Your oral health is a vital part of your overall health. By taking small, consistent steps to care for your teeth and gums, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re investing in your long-term well-being.
Take care of your smile, and you’ll be taking care of your whole body.