How Is Your Oral Health Linked to Your General Health?

We all know that eating sugary and starchy foods all the time causes cavities. In this way, most of us have at least a basic understanding of how oral health works. But did you know that the health of your mouth can affect the health of the rest of your body? That’s right, oral health and general health are linked. A dentist in Midland is here to tell you exactly how.

What’s the Connection Between Oral and Overall Health?

Like many other parts of your body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, many of which are harmless and even beneficial. However, your mouth leads to your respiratory and digestive tracts, and some of these oral bacteria can cause disease in other areas of your body.

Normally, your body’s immune system and good oral hygiene, like daily brushing and flossing, are enough to keep harmful bacteria from entering your system. But without proper oral hygiene, bacteria might cause oral infections, like tooth decay and gum disease.

In fact, gum disease in particular has been linked to various other health conditions throughout the body. When you have gum disease, bacteria create pockets in between your gums and teeth through which they can travel and reach other areas of the body and wreak havoc.

What Conditions Are Linked to Oral Health?

Poor oral health might contribute to various diseases, including:

• Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that gum disease sets off a chain reaction of inflammation in the body that leads to the lining of the heart.
• Pneumonia. Bacteria in your mouth may be breathed into your lungs, causing respiratory diseases.
• Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease in pregnant women has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

Additionally, certain general health conditions might affect your oral health, such as:

• Diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes lowers your body’s resistance to infection, increasing your risk of gum disease. Conversely, research shows that diabetics with gum disease have a more difficult time controlling their blood sugar levels.
• HIV/AIDS. This is another condition that increases your risk for infection by lowering your immune system response.
• Alzheimer’s. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, oral health usually worsens as well.

How Can You Maintain Optimal Oral Health?

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily for two minutes at a time with fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to floss every day and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Finally, visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. They can examine your mouth for signs of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease and prevent them from spelling disaster for other areas of your body.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has over twenty years of experience in the dental field and counting, ever since she studied dentistry at Tufts University. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, so she understands the connection between oral and general health. To learn more about how to take care of your oral health, visit her website by clicking here.