How Does Oral Health Correlate to Overall Health?

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

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How Does Oral Health Correlate to Overall Health?

Believe it or not, your oral health influences your overall health. This means that maintaining great oral health is crucial for staying happy and healthy as a whole. On the other hand, issues with your mouth, teeth, or gums can negatively impact the rest of your body.

As with any other part of your body, your mouth is packed with bacteria. These bacteria are friendly and beneficial before you panic and start worrying about your bacterial companions. They’re what we call probiotic bacteria, meaning they benefit your health.

Great oral hygiene practices can keep the bacteria levels inside your mouth optimal. However, failing to brush and floss daily can cause your oral probiotic bacteria to decrease and increase harmful bacteria levels in your mouth. In turn, you can experience dental issues that may exacerbate systemic health issues.

Taking care of your teeth, gums, and mouth as a whole is vital for preventing wider health problems. Let’s take a look at how oral health is linked to other aspects of your health. Note that if you are experiencing dental health issues or would like expert guidance on how to maintain optimal oral hygiene, you should contact a reputable dentist in Watson or your local area.

Cardiovascular Health

Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as angina, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. In particular, gum disease (known medically as periodontitis) has been shown to correlate with the risk of cardiovascular events.

The oral bacteria that are thought to cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic inflammation that exacerbates existing cardiovascular issues and potentially contributes to the development of heart disease.

Diabetes

Those with diabetes are more prone to developing peridontitis than those without the condition. Diabetes can cause imbalances in probiotic and harmful bacteria in the mouth and increase inflammation throughout the body.

Proper blood sugar management is essential for reducing the risk of gum disease and other diabetes-related health issues, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and diabetic retinopathy.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

Oral health is important for every female, but it becomes especially important for those who are pregnant. Great oral health can support the health of both the mother and baby.

Conversely, poor oral health has been associated with an increased risk of birth complications, such as preterm labour and low birth weight. Pregnant women are advised to take extra care with their oral hygiene routines to minimise complications during the latter stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

Kidney Disease

Some research has linked with chronic kidney disease with poor oral health. Those with chronic kidney disease often experience oral symptoms due to the imbalance in water, electrolytes, and proteins within the body. These symptoms may include dry mouth caused by reduced saliva (xerostomia), which has been closely linked to tooth decay and gum disease due to the naturally protective effects of saliva.