Brushing your teeth is not only about preventing cavities and ensuring you have a bright smile; good oral hygiene is also crucial for your overall health. Researchers have uncovered a direct connection between oral health and whole-body health, further demonstrating the importance of a good oral hygiene routine.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Other Illnesses
Gum disease remains one of the most common issues associated with poor oral health. It is also one of the most common inflammatory conditions in the body but the danger it presents can go unnoticed. This danger is so profound because the mouth is one of the portals to the rest of the body, making it a portal of entry for infections.
An ongoing inflammatory condition such as gum disease allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream where it travels to the rest of the body and causes serious illnesses. This can result in a series of events such as inflammation of the heart muscle. Other serious illnesses include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Due to how serious gum disease can be, you should not only know how to take care of your oral health but also have regular dentist appointments. You can easily book an appointment online at a site like northwickmanordental.co.uk. If you have gum disease, your dentist will help you take care of it.
Cardiovascular Diseases Associated with Poor Oral Health
Cardiovascular diseases are conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Poor oral health is associated with the following cardiovascular diseases:
- Clogged arteries – Periodontal disease increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis which is a condition where there is plaque build-up in the arteries.
- Strokes – A higher risk of atherosclerosis linked to periodontal disease also increases the risk of strokes.
- Coronary artery disease – This condition can lead to heart attacks and heart failure and is one of the most common heart conditions globally.
Endocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, is also associated with periodontal disease. This inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection and can be fatal in those with existing heart conditions.
Higher Risk of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. Poor oral hygiene results in the build-up of bacteria in the mouth which, in addition to causing gum disease, can cause pneumonia. The assumption is that these bacteria can aspirate into the airway and into the lungs where it causes an infection, i.e., pneumonia.
Poor Nutrition and Stunted Growth
To remain healthy, we need to extract nutrients from the food we eat. This process starts with chewing food properly. Poor oral hygiene leading to issues like cavities and teeth sensitivity can make it difficult to chew food properly and thoroughly, inhibiting the body’s ability to extract nutrients from this food. The result is stunted growth associated with poor nutrition. While it affects adults, this issue affects children to a higher degree.
Oral health is crucial for whole-body health as discussed above. Learning how to maintain oral hygiene and regular dentist visits will ensure you have a healthy, bright smile and a healthy body.
