How Your Oral Health is a Window to Your Overall Health

Did you know that the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can directly affect your overall health? In fact, problems in the mouth can impact your entire body.

What’s the link between oral health and overall health?

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. The germs in our mouths are mostly harmless, but it’s important to note that the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract. This long tube of organs runs from the mouth to the anus and serves as the pathway that food travels through. The mouth also serves as an entry point to our respiratory tracts, or the organs that allow breathing. What does this mean in regard to oral health? Sometimes, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Most often the body’s defenses and regular oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes actions like daily brushing and flossing. When you don’t maintain your oral hygiene routine, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, including tooth decay and gum disease.

Further, certain medicines can lower the flow of saliva. These medicines may include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Not only does saliva wash away food, but it also keeps the acids that germs make in the mouth in balance, which helps to keep germs from spreading and causing disease.

Oral germs, oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. Certain diseases, like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s ability to fight infection, which can exacerbate oral health problems.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

There are a variety of conditions that are linked to oral health. It can play a part in the following conditions, among others:

Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Though infection of the endocardium is rare, it can be fatal.
Cardiovascular disease: Some research suggests that heart disease (or cardiac problems), clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.
Pregnancy and birth complications: Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Pneumonia: Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs, which may cause pneumonia in addition to other respiratory diseases.

Conversely, certain health conditions might also affect oral health, including:

Diabetes: This condition makes the body less able to fight infection, which can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes. Further, research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.
HIV/AIDS: Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Cancer: A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease, including oral cancers, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
Alzheimer’s disease: As Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren’s syndrome.

It’s important to keep your dentist informed about the medicines you’re taking and to keep your dentist aware of any changes in your overall health, including recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes.

How can I protect my oral health?

Simply put, the best way to protect your oral health is to take care of your mouth everyday! This means:

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue, too.
Cleaning between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.
Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary drinks and foods.
Replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if the bristles are worn or flaring out.
Seeing a dentist twice per year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might also be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.
Avoiding the use of tobacco.

Of course, you should contact your dentist right away if you notice any oral health problems emerging. Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, contact us – we’re here and happy to help!