You’re supposed to brush and floss daily, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just about preventing cavities and keeping your smile white. It’s also because maintaining your oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being.
According to the health website, oral health is linked to the health of the entire body, which means that dental and gum problems can lead to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and more.
Why is oral health important?
In reality though, you should think of your mouth as an extension of the rest of your body, and by looking into a person’s mouth I often get a sense of their general health.
Poor oral health can include conditions such as:
Gingivitis, when bacteria infect the gums. It’s a mild, early form of gum disease.
Gum disease is an infection of the gums that leads to inflammation of the gums and bone loss around the teeth.
Tooth decay, such as untreated tooth decay.
What can happen if you suffer from poor oral health?
In addition to yellowing smiles and bad breath, poor oral health can also contribute to a number of health issues that affect your entire body, and Dr. Ross explains some of the most criticized among them.
Cardiovascular disease
The umbrella term “cardiovascular disease” refers to a group of disorders related to your heart and blood vessels. Poor oral health is associated with forms of cardiovascular disease such as:
Coronary artery disease: As the most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease can lead to heart attacks and heart failure.
Clogged arteries: Studies show that people with gum disease have much higher rates of atherosclerosis, when plaque builds up inside the blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen from your heart to your body.
Stroke: Studies show a strong relationship between gum disease and strokes, especially atherosclerosis-related strokes.
Keep in mind that although cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease are related.
Inflammation of the heart
If you have heart disease or other heart-related health issues, you’re more likely to develop endocarditis, which is an infection of the lining of the heart valves (and sometimes the lining of the heart’s chambers).
Endocarditis is caused by a bacterial infection that can contract during procedures such as tooth extractions. “It does not usually affect heart health, but if you have existing heart problems, it can be fatal.”
Complications of pregnancy and childbirth
When you’re pregnant, there’s even more reason to take care of your body — including your mouth. In pregnant women, poor oral health is associated with:
Restriction of fetal growth.
-Pregnancy diabetes .
Low weight at birth.
– Abortion.
Stillbirth.
-Eclampsia .
Again, the idea is that oral bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and cause harm to the fetus,” warns Dr. Ross.
-Pneumonia
The presence of cavities has been linked to pneumonia, which is pneumonia caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
The idea is that bacteria from the mouth can be swollen into the upper airway and into the lungs, which may be linked to causing pneumonia. It also makes it easier for bacteria that cause respiratory infections to stick to the lungs.
Other cases
Of course, having a healthy mouth is key to your ability to eat healthy meals. Eating which is essential to our survival really depends on having teeth in your mouth and healthy teeth and gums.”
Untreated cavities can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth and development in children. They can also cause problems such as:
Cellulitis (bacterial infection)
Swelling in the face.
Gum disease.