Your oral health may also have some effects on your overall health. This is because your mouth is an important part of your body and its health has an impact on your general health, or vice versa. Here, we will learn how problems with your teeth and gums can lead to or worsen certain diseases in other parts of your body. Moreover, issues like these can be prevented by regular dental checkups thus, don’t neglect visiting a dentist.
What Are Systemic Diseases?
Systemic diseases are diseases that have an impact on the body’s systems, as a whole rather than an individual organ or body part. Some of these diseases affect the heart, lungs, kidneys and many such organs or other systems of the human body. Some well-known systemic diseases
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory Infections
- Stroke
This is good news because taking proper care of your teeth and gums will reduce the occurrences of these diseases. Now, let us see how oral health issues can cause issues in the other parts of your body.
The Relationship Between Oral Health and Systemic Diseases
In your mouth, there are an enormous number of bacteria. Normally these bacteria are harmless with a healthy and good immune system and good oral hygiene (such as daily brushing, flossing and more). In case one fails to follow good oral hygiene, harmful bacteria start to grow in the mouth, leading to infections and other problems.
1. Heart Disease and Gum Disease
One of the most surprising links is between gum disease (also called periodontal disease) and heart disease. Gum disease happens when the gums become swollen or infected because of plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can form on your teeth if you don’t brush properly.
- How it connects: The bacteria from your gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This can cause inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Tip: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily can help keep your gums healthy and reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Diabetes and Oral Health
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gum disease. When blood sugar is not well controlled, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections, including infections in the gums.
- How it connects: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, leading to worse diabetes. This creates a dangerous cycle because poor blood sugar control can make gum disease worse, and vice versa.
- Tip: Keeping your blood sugar levels under control and practicing good oral hygiene can help protect your mouth and body from complications.
3. Respiratory Infections
Your mouth can also be connected to your lungs. If you have a lot of bacteria in your mouth, it can be breathed into your lungs, leading to problems like pneumonia or other respiratory infections.
- How it connects: Because of this infection it has been ascertained that bacteria from the mouth can travel down the airways and finally into the lungs. It is especially dangerous for people with suppressed immune systems or a history of lung-related disorders like asthma.
- Tip: Managing your teeth may prevent these bacteria from reaching your lungs, therefore maintaining clean teeth is advisable.
4. Stroke and Oral Health
Studies have shown that people with gum disease are at a higher risk of having a stroke. This is because gum disease causes inflammation in the body, which can increase the risk of a blood clot.
- How it connects: The bacteria from infected gums can cause inflammation and hardening of the arteries, which is linked to an increased risk of stroke. The mouth’s infection can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain.
- Tip: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of stroke.
5. Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women should also pay special attention to their oral health. Gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- How it connects: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more sensitive, increasing the risk of gum disease. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, potentially affecting the baby’s health.
- Tip: Pregnant women should visit a dentist near you regularly and follow good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of complications.
How to Keep Your Oral Health in Check?
Taking care of your teeth and gums is simple if you stick to a few basic habits:
- Brush your teeth: Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep them clean and healthy.
- Floss every day: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles that are stuck between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Get regular dental check-ups: It’s important to visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups at least twice a year. They can detect any oral issues early and keep your mouth in good shape.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks consumption will help prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay.
- Quit smoking: Smoking harms your teeth and your overall health. If you smoke, quitting can help improve your oral health and reduce your risk of serious problems.
By following these easy steps, you’ll be on your way to maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums.
Achieve Your Dream Smile With Expert Care at Jagare Ridge Dental!
If you want to achieve a beautiful smile we are there for you at Jagare Ridge Dental to offer the optimal dental services. Dental services available from our dentist in South Edmonton include cleaning and examinations, tooth-coloured fillings, root canal treatment, gum treatment and more. We use the latest technology to ensure the optimal results from the dental treatment. Are you considering having the smile of your dreams? Don’t wait, call and book your dental appointment with us today!