How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Overall Health

Researchers have linked poor oral health to various conditions that seem to have nothing to do with the teeth.

Did you know that a healthy mouth equals a healthy body? That’s right, brushing your teeth and flossing every day will do much more than protect you from cavities. It could be what’s coming between you and a heart attack.

Today, we’ll be looking at the correlation between a healthy body and proper oral hygiene. Does your oral health affect your overall health? Keep reading, and let’s find out.

Health Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Health

Researchers have linked poor oral health to various conditions that seem to have nothing to do with the teeth. Some of these conditions include:

Respiratory infections

Bacteria from your teeth may spread to your throat and eventually your lungs. This is especially true if you have bacteria in your teeth for too long. These infections may lead to breathing problems and heart disease.

Heart Disease

There’s a direct correlation between periodontal diseases and heart conditions. For example, bacteria that lead to gum infection can enter the bloodstream through inflammation and mouth sores. When they do, they can attach to blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Some of these heart conditions include:

• Endocarditis– Germs and bacteria from the mouth are responsible for endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection that affects the lining of the heart’s chambers.
• Arteriosclerosis– Research shows that oral bacteria can lead to arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis describes the clogging of blood vessels that carry oxygen to the rest of the body. This restricts blood from getting to vital organs and is potentially fatal.

Other Conditions Linked to Poor Oral Health

Aside from the above, medical professionals have linked oral health to a couple of other conditions. Some of these conditions include:

• Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis describes the weakening of bones because of a decree in their density. It’s hard to discover the presence of osteoporosis until fractures occur. Osteoporosis symptoms may also occur in the teeth leading to the subsequent weakening of teeth.
• Diabetes – People with diabetes are more prone to gum infections because their bodies have weaker immune systems. In this case, it’s not the gum infection leading to the condition, but vice-versa. As a result, people with diabetes have to be extra diligent with their oral care to keep gum infections at bay.
• Birth Complications – Pregnant mothers with severe cases of periodontitis, are at a greater risk of having birth complications. These birth complications include premature birth and lower birth weight.

General Dentistry St. Louis

Contact the Dental Anesthesia Center today for professional dental service for all your dental needs. Let us help you live a healthy life. Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, and Dr. Behl provide various services for you and your family. If you are a patient who is apprehensive and nervous, have difficulties with numbing, have active gag reflexes, or have special needs, we can help you.