How Oral Health Impacts Overall Health

The connection between oral health and overall health among people is not well understood. Oral health is a lot more than just about teeth. It also includes the health of gums, bones, ligaments, muscles, glands, and nerves. Additionally, oral health affects our most basic human function that shapes an individual's self-image and well-being — eating.

Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

The mouth contains about six million bacteria. Most of these bacteria are harmless while the rest are harmful. If a person does not brush or floss their teeth properly, the harmful bacteria grow more in numbers. This could lead to several diseases like gum disease and tooth decay.

 If a person maintains good oral health, the body is able to defend itself from these harmful bacteria. However, if not maintained correctly, it enters the body through the bloodstream and affects the rest of the body.

Ninety percent of organ or systemic diseases are caused in part by poor oral hygiene. Similarly, there are conditions that lead to a person's poor oral health.

1. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition with numerous factors. Due to lower resistance to infections, diabetes patients usually suffer from gum disease.

2. Osteoporosis

Fragile bones are prone to fracture that can be connected to tooth loss and jawbone damage.

3. Heart Disease

Poor dental hygiene and heart disease are connected. Inflammation of the gums could lead to diseases such as endocarditis, clogged arteries, and possibly stroke.

4. Cancer

Improper dental hygiene could cause oral cancer, leukemia, or other types of cancers. They must be treated accurately because of severe medical conditions connected to them.

Maintaining Good Oral Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene keeps you safe from other health issues. Therefore, here are some tips you can follow to keep your dental health, and consequently your overall health, in good condition:

1. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss them to remove plaque.
2. Even if you do not have any dental issues, it is recommended to visit your dentist at least once a year to keep track of your dental health.
3. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeine since these might make your teeth weak.
4. Diabetic patients should treat their dental problems immediately because treating them lowers the sugar level.
5. Ask your dentist to prescribe another medicine if it is making your mouth dry.

The connection between oral health and overall health cannot be ignored. So, consult your dentist if you encounter problems related to your teeth, mouth, and gums.

ISmile Dental Ohio provides comprehensive dental solutions to help you take care of your oral health. For more information about various dental treatments and procedures we offer, call us at  614-459-3229 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 1151 Bethel Road Suite #301, Columbus OH 43220.