The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health

The next time you pick up your tooth brush and paste, keep in mind that your oral health affects much more than your beautiful smile. The health of your teeth, your gums, and your mouth can affect the health of your entire body. In some cases, the problems in your mouth are signs that something is going wrong in your body. At other times, those problems are actually causing trouble elsewhere in your body. You should understand how your oral health and your overall health are linked. With this understanding, you will be prepared to protect your health.

How Are Oral Health and Overall Health Connected?

Some studies suggest that the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth are linked to certain diseases. Ordinarily those bacteria are kept in check by the natural levels of saliva. Saliva plays an important role in washing away bits of food in the mouth and neutralizing the acids that are produced by bacteria. Consistent oral health, such as good brushing and flossing habits, also keep the bacteria at manageable levels. When the levels of bacteria increase, the body’s resistance to microbial invasions weakens. Other diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, also lower the body’s resistance to infections, increasing the possibility of oral health problems.

Medications that Affect Oral Health

When you get a cold or have a headache, you might reach for popular over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and painkillers. These and other common medications can lower the amount of saliva in the mouth. Some other prescription medications also cause dry mouth and other oral symptoms.

Some Conditions that Are Linked to Oral Health

There are some very serious conditions seem to affect or are affected by oral health. Look at these conditions that may be linked to poor oral health:

• Endocarditis is an infection that affects the lining of the heart. This condition occurs when bacteria such as those in the mouth enter damaged areas of the heart.
• Cardiovascular disease is another condition that could be linked to infections caused by oral bacteria.
• A link between periodontal disease and premature birth and low birth weight has been established.
• Osteoporosis in another disease that can be linked to periodontal bone loss.

Those diseases and medical conditions that may influence oral health include:

•  Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Alzheimer’s disease

Other conditions like eating disorders and those that cause dry mouth may also be linked to oral health. Because of the links, it is important to alert your dentist to any medications you may be taking, if you are pregnant, and if you have recently been ill or diagnosed with a chronic condition.

Protecting Your Oral Health

You can protect your oral health through consistent daily dental hygiene. Routine brushing and flossing, a healthy diet, new toothbrushes, and regular visits with your dental professional will improve your dental health and may affect your overall health as well.

To learn more about how your oral health and your overall health are linked, schedule a consultation and exam with your dental professional.

Cited Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475?pg=2