The mouth is often seen as a gateway to the rest of the body. It has a deep connection to your overall well-being, but how are they linked? It’s mainly due to dental problems like gum disease or cavities. While you may think their effects are limited to your oral health, they can actually increase your risk of serious medical conditions. Here’s what you need to know and how you can avoid them to protect your smile and yourself.
How Can My Oral Health Affect My Overall Well-Being?
Your mouth is full of hundreds of species of bacteria. Some are good, and many are harmless, but there are several that are bad. They can build up and cause decay or gum disease. However, if they enter your bloodstream through your gum tissue, then they can go to other parts of your body. This can trigger inflammation that can lead to systemic health problems, such as:
- Respiratory Illnesses: If you have a dental infection, then the bacteria can be breathed into the lungs. They’ll then be able to cause problems, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, especially for those with a weaker immune system. If you have COPD or asthma, then they may worsen as well.
- Diabetes: This condition and gum disease can affect each other. Those with this systemic health issue often are at a higher risk of developing an infection in the soft tissues of their mouth. Inversely, this dental problem can increase your risk of diabetes while also making it difficult to maintain blood sugar levels.
- Cardiovascular Disease: According to recent studies, gum disease may lead to a higher risk of developing this condition, mainly due to chronic inflammation. Evidence has shown that those with poor oral hygiene have higher rates of heart attack and stroke.
How to Protect Your Smile to Benefit Your Overall Health
That being said, taking care of your smile can very well boost your overall well-being. It can be an easy feat by changing some habits in your routine. One of the best things you can do at home is brush twice and floss once every day. This will effectively get rid of bacteria and plaque on and between your teeth. Pair that with a balanced diet, and you can give your body the nutrients it needs to keep your immune system strong.
You can still enjoy a sugary snack and drink here and there, just be sure that you keep it in moderation. However, an unhealthy habit you should break is using tobacco. Smoking or chewing it can lead to inflammation, increasing your risk of gum disease.
Lastly, visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. They’ll be able to prevent dental problems or give you early treatment to keep your smile strong. That way, you feel your best with a worry-free grin that supports your whole body.
About the Practice
Dr. Tristan Parry earned his dental degree from Ohio State University. He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, which is something less than 7% of general dentists in the U.S. have accomplished. This shows Dr. Parry’s dedication to giving the Summerfield community the highest quality care they deserve, starting with preventive care and gum disease treatment to keep smiles strong. If it’s time for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call his office at (336) 728-6153.