The Impact Of Oral Health On Overall Health 

Oral health plays an impact on the overall health of the rest of your body. It’s fundamentally important to maintain good oral health to ensure that your physical health is as strong as it can be. When you do not care for your teeth and mouth, it can impact the rest of your body. One example is when infections in the mouth spread and take root elsewhere. Other systemic physical conditions are related to poor oral health care, such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications and pneumonia. In this blog post we outline the link between oral health and systemic health, recent findings related to the oral-systemic connection and how to prevent oral health negatively impacting your overall health. 

The Link Between Oral Health and Systemic Health 

As is the case in most other places in your body, your mouth is full of bacteria that are mostly harmless. However, as your mouth is the entrance to your digestive tract and respiratory tract, harmful bacteria located there can quickly spread to other areas of the body and cause disease. Studies show that some oral bacteria and oral inflammation might play a role in the spread of some diseases in your body. This is particularly true when periodontitis is present. As mentioned above, there are several conditions that can take root or become more severe if good oral health is not maintained. Endocarditis, (infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves), cardiovascular disease (linked to infection and inflammation oral bacteria produce), pregnancy complications (linked to periodontitis) and pneumonia (caused by harmful bacteria in the mouth being pulled into the respiratory system) are some examples of how poor oral health can cause systemic health complications. 

Recent Findings On The Oral-Systemic Connection 

Recent research studies have continued to provide strong evidence supporting the link between oral health and systemic health. One study found that periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk of developing several systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 participants and found that those with periodontal disease had a significantly higher risk of developing these conditions than those without. Another study found that poor oral health was associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants and found that those with poor oral health, including tooth loss and gum disease, had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those with good oral health. Other research has shown that the bacteria present in the mouth can affect the body’s immune system and inflammatory response, potentially contributing to the development of systemic health conditions. 

Preventing Oral Health Problems For Better Overall Health 

Maintaining good oral health is a relatively easy task. By brushing and flossing your teeth twice per day you remove most of the harmful bacteria from your mouth and prevent it from spreading around your body. In a similar regard, visiting your local dentist once or twice per year for a general check-up is the best way to identify any oral health concerns early on; before they become more serious and pose a risk to your overall health. Try to avoid eating too many sugary foods as these can detrimentally impact your teeth and gums and exercise regularly to ensure you are taking care of your cardiovascular and respiratory health. 

Dental Treatment Fortitude Valley – Book an Appointment Today  

Looking to enjoy a more-comfortable smile full of healthy teeth? Book a consultation for any dental treatment you need at Central Brunswick Dental Centre today.