How Oral Health Affects Overall Health

Did you know that the health of your smile can affect the health of your entire body? While the eyes may be the window to the soul, your oral health is a window to your overall health. What does this mean exactly? It means that your oral health is directly related to your overall health. Thus if your oral health is in jeopardy, your overall health may soon follow suite. 

This is because your mouth can act as an infection source, meaning that it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Although it is not normal for bacteria to enter your bloodstream, this can quickly change once your mouth’s natural defense system is compromised. Once inside the bloodstream, bacteria may be eradicated if you have a healthy immune system. However, anything that compromises your immune system can put you at a higher risk for developing infections elsewhere in the body. 

The most common oral health condition associated with contributing to various medical conditions is gum disease. Although the exact correlation between the gum disease and these conditions is still being researched, gum disease has been labeled as a possible contributing factor to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and pregnancy complications. 

Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease because they are less resistant to infections. Although diabetes is not necessarily caused by poor oral hygiene, it can make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels. In fact, studies have shown that treatment for gum disease can actually help to improve diabetes management. 

Cardiovascular Disease

There has been research to suggest that inflammation and infections caused by excess bacteria in the mouth can result in heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries. In fact, the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that out of 1,000 participants, individuals with gum disease were twice as likely to die from a heartattack and three times as likely to have a stroke. 

Additionally, if bacteria from your mouth is able to travel through the bloodstream and attach to the inner linings of the heart, it can cause an infection known as endocarditis. 

Pneumonia

If bacteria from your mouth is able to travel through the bloodstream and into your lungs, then it can cause pneumonia and various other respiratory diseases. 

Pregnancy Complications

Pregnant women are more susceptible to developing gum disease due to the various hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. However, advanced gum disease can put them and the baby at risk for premature birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight.

As you can see, your oral health is in direct correlation with your overall health, meaning that poor oral health can lead to a variety of general health problems. With that being said, it is highly important to maintain your oral health in order to prevent these things from happening. The best way to accomplish this is by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your local dental office for a checkup and cleaning at least once every six months.