We all want our teeth and gums to be in impeccable shape. Without proper oral health there’s no gorgeous smile, not to mention that we need our choppers healthy so we can enjoy all kinds of food for a very long time.
However, many people are unaware of the fact that apart from the pain dental problems can cause, as well as a loss of teeth, an unhealthy oral cavity can actually contribute and even cause other serious health conditions. In order to unveil the inextricable link between dental and overall health, we have compiled a list of five ways in which your oral health impacts your entire body.
– Get rid of tooth ache in just few minutes
From the mouth to the heart
A study called Periodontitis as a Risk Factor in Non-Diabetic Patients with Coronary Artery Disease aimed at exploring just in what way can gum disease affect CAD.
After extensive research on 152 consecutive patients, the researchers came to a conclusion that ‘in peoples over 40 years, who had coronary artery disease proved by coronary angiography, gingival inflammation (periodontitis) has a significant relation as a risk factor.’ Of course, that doesn’t mean that poor oral health will cause heart disease, but if you already have risk factors, chances are gum disease can increase the chances of you developing the heart disease.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so take a cue from us Aussies, and make sure to pay your dentist regular visits and control those conditions that can be controlled.
The strongest relationship
One of the most researched connections is the one between periodontitis and diabetes. The way they affect each other is mutual; first, the inflammation in the mouth makes it more difficult for the body to control blood sugar.
According to Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology: “Periodontal disease further complicates diabetes because the inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilize insulin.” This spike in blood sugar then worsens the inflammation in the mouth, causing a vicious circle. However, there is a silver lining.
Precisely because they are so tightly connected, getting one condition under control improves the other. This is why it’s crucial you find an amazing dentist. I have my favorite dentist in Sydney, where I go for checkups once every 3 months and I fix what needs fixing. Regular checkups are important for more than just the health of your gums.
Mouth and lungs
The mouth is the gateway to the body, and that gateway is filled with bacteria. The number of bacteria living in the oral cavity of a healthy person is enormous, but when speaking of the person who has gum diseases, that number is staggering.
With such a large number of germs, people are more likely to inhale them, and the result can be pneumonia. Again, be mindful of your gums, they can make or break your body. As someone who has had lung-related health issues, I personally, never miss my appointments with my doctor or dentist.
For all those future moms out there, take care of teeth and gums. Numerous studies have shown that pregnant women with progressive periodontitis have a larger risk of premature delivery or giving birth to an underweight baby.
This is why it’s essential to have even more regular checkups during pregnancy, as babies who are prematurely born are at a much greater risk of developing a number of serious conditions, from asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities to behavioral difficulties and even infant death.
Bacteria and Alzheimer’s
It may be difficult to believe, but a study conducted in Britain showed that bacteria in the gums can actually have an impact on the brain.
The team of researchers observed a group of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s during the course of six months and the conclusion they came to is that the group with gum disease suffered cognitive decline six times faster in comparison to the of the group without gum disease.