You might be wondering how is oral health have an impact on your overall health. Your oral health is important and serious than you think and realise. Oral health and overall health have a very deep connection as in when your gums and teeth’s get effected then it can destruct your overall general health.
Now let us see how oral health is connected to overall health.
As we all know our mouth is the entry point of bacteria’s and in most cases is harmless. These harmless bacteria enter through our mouth to our respiratory tracts and to our stomach. Some of the best practices we do daily is brushing, without proper oral hygiene there are high chances that you catch oral infections like tooth decay and gum diseases. Thus, good oral health is considered as the body’s natural defence. Flossing is also another method of preventing bacteria causing germs. Saliva plays a major role in washing away food and neutralising acids caused by germs, these can help you prevent microbes that has a tendency to multiple which led to other infections and diseases. There are some medicines which can reduce saliva flow like decongestants, painkillers, antidepressants and diuretics. Studies have found that bacteria caused in mouth and certain other inflations which can cause severe gum diseases. There are certain other diseases like AIDS/HIV, it can reduce the body’s resistance to infections.
Some of the diseases which are linked to oral health:
- Cardiovascular diseases: studies have not fully found the reason for cardiovascular disease through mouth bacteria but it is proved that heart diseases are caused because of clogged arteries which can lead to stroke. This might the reason of inflammation and infection in your mouth, it can be because poor oral hygiene. Thus, maintaining a good oral hygiene is important for your health.
- Endocarditis: it is the form of infection which is found in the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. This happens when the germs and bacteria from your body particularly from your mouth, they spread through your blood streams and it gets attached to your areas of the heart.
- Premature birth or birth complications: the form of dentistry known as periodontitis can be linked with premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: pneumonia is an infection which may affect the lungs by filling in with fluid. The bacteria in your mouth will be pulled into your lungs and this may cause certain health conditions and respiratory problems.
- Diabetes: diabetes is a well-known term for most of us, your body becomes resistant to infections and diseases. If you’re high with diabetes then you will be more prone to severe gum disease. Having a regular periodontal care is important and it can improve diabetes control.
- Osteoporosis: it is basically linked and related with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. The treatment for osteoporosis contains certain drug which can be a slight risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
- Alzheimer’s disease: this condition can be caused because of bad eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, various types of cancer and even immune system disorder.
Various ways to protect oral health which can also improve overall health.
Firstly, you need to make it a routine and practice good oral hygiene: –
- Make it a routine to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each or after every meal. Use only soft bristled brush because brushing with a hard bristle brush can damage the enamel of the teeth and it can also lead to severe gum diseases and make sure you use fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing daily is important to improve oral hygiene.
- Make it a practise to use mouthwash to washout bacteria’s and food particles after the meal. A mouthwash also removes bad breath too.
- Start eating healthy food and maintain a diet with less sugar and carbonated drinks.
- Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months is important.
- Regular visit to your dentist and do regular checkups and cleaning.
- Avoid smoking as it is injurious to your oral health and your overall health
