Are you aware that poor and compromised oral health has a devastating effect on your overall health and wellbeing? The mouth is considered the mirror of the body. Did you know that many infectious diseases turn out to have a starting point in the mouth? This seems to be the case for Covid-19 as well. Studies have shown that the primary entry points for the coronavirus are the nose and the mouth. After entering the mouth, the Covid-19 virus enters the digestive system, from where it finds an entry point into the bloodstream. Studies also show that people who brush twice a day, floss, and use a mouthwash have significantly lower chances of the virus spreading further. It’s true; maintaining good oral health can help you avoid the complications that come with covid-19. Isn’t that great news?
Our mouth and body are linked intimately, and poor oral health puts you at risk for certain diseases. In this blog, we will examine how poor oral health poses a threat to your systemic health, that is, your overall health.
Gum Health And Diabetes
Researchers have demonstrated that a relationship exists between oral health and diabetes. Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis happen due to the accumulation of bacteria-laden tartar. These gum diseases compromise the integrity of the teeth, gums and, in later stages, lead to bone infection and bone loss. Conditions like diabetes alter the body’s blood sugar levels and lower the body’s ability to fight back. Poor oral health and gum disease hamper the body’s fighting capability and affect the blood glucose levels of people who have diabetes. If left untreated, a continual cycle will form. The bacteria responsible for gum diseases can also cause insulin resistance which directly influences blood sugar levels. Gum disease also affects how our body metabolizes carbohydrates in our diet, leading to lower energy levels and fatigue.
Dental Abscess And Overall Health
A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes pus to accumulate around your tooth’s root. These bacteria enter the tooth through dental cavities or gums. A dental abscess can lead to excruciating pain and swelling. The swelling of the dental abscess can progress to the face and neck, causing cellulitis. This condition is dangerous, as the swelling compresses the windpipe, causing life-threatening breathing difficulties. There is also a risk of infecting other organs if the bacteria from a dental abscess find a way to enter the bloodstream. Early signs include fever, and over time progressing to sepsis, a fatal, life-threatening condition that requires an immediate trip to the emergency room. Consequently, you must not ignore dental pain and seek immediate dental help to ensure that this does not happen to you.
Oral Health And Heart Conditions
As explained above, the bacteria responsible for gum diseases and dental decay can find a way to enter the bloodstream; from here, they reach the major blood vessels and, finally, the heart. Once these bacteria enter the heart, they infect the heart’s inner lining, causing Endocarditis—a serious medical condition that requires intensive medical care. Individuals suffering from gum diseases are also at a higher risk of suffering from atherosclerosis. In this condition, plaque builds up in your blood vessels; it reduces the diameter of the blood vessel, thus reducing the amount of blood that flows through them. People with severe oral infections are also at a much higher risk of suffering from heart attacks.
Oral Health And Mental Illness
Gum diseases have also been linked with certain mental illnesses like dementia. These diseases are shown to get aggravated by the bacteria responsible for gum diseases. People with severely compromised oral health also have a higher chance of suffering from a stroke.
Oral Health And Lung Infections
The bacteria and their toxic products that cause dental cavities, dental abscesses, and gum diseases can directly affect the entire respiratory system. Yes, they accumulate at the back of the mouth and make their way to the lungs causing numerous respiratory disorders. It even worsens pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
Oral Health And Pregnancy
It is of utmost importance that pregnant women take exceptional care of their oral hygiene. Pregnancy makes women more susceptible to gum diseases. These infections put the baby and the mother at risk. It can also lead to premature birth and low birth weight in infants.
Gum Health, Infertility, and Erectile Dysfunction
Poor oral hygiene can cause infertility issues in women and can also be a significant reason for erectile dysfunction in men.
Oral Health And Arthritis
Untreated gum disease puts the body in a state of chronic inflammation, which worsens arthritis.
Hopefully, after reading this post, you understand that practicing good oral hygiene does not just benefit your teeth but also your overall wellbeing. More than ever, it is crucial to take care of our mouth, schedule regular dental visits, and take treatment promptly for a healthy body.
Why is visiting the dentist so important?
- Helps prevent tooth decay
- Protects against periodontal (gum) disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
- Prevents bad breath – brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath