Did you know your teeth can signal something wrong with your health?
Your mouth is host to a wide variety of bacteria, most of which are harmless. But the mouth serves as an entryway for bacteria to reach other parts of the body. Bacteria can access critical systems such as the respiratory and digestive systems through the mouth.
When bacteria multiply beyond healthy limits, they can spread to different body parts and cause diseases. As a result, a dental issue, from bad breath to gum disease, can indicate an underlying health problem.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and health is the best way to keep bacteria in the mouth in check. Hygienic oral practices such as daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental cleanings, can impact your oral as well as overall health for the better.
Preventing Dental Diseases is Key to Maintaining Overall Health
Certain oral diseases can be indicative of an underlying health problem.
Regular dental check-ups allow you to catch and address such symptoms much earlier, allowing enough time to act on such issues immediately.
Gum Diseases
Gum disease could signify diabetes, heart issues, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or respiratory disease. Gum disease can be as mild as swollen gums or as severe as gingivitis and periodontitis. Inflamed gums are often the beginning signs of gum disease.
The most common reason for gum disease is a buildup of plaque. Plaque is a thick layer of bacteria on the teeth and gums. Daily brushing and flossing remove this accumulation. Stubborn plaque and tartar are best removed by a thorough dental cleaning administered by a dentist.
A healthy dental routine and visits to the dentist at least once every six months can reduce plaque.
Gum Infections
Increased frequency of gum infections has been observed in people with diabetes. Lowered body defense against infections due to diabetes is the reason for increased gum infections in such patients.
Regular periodontal care, including dental check-ups and professional teeth cleanings, can help keep infections under control in diabetics.
Cavities
A cavity is damage and decay of teeth. Oral bacteria cause cavities. But unhealthy dental habits such as improper brushing and excessive snacking on sugary items trigger such bacteria.
Cavities are hard to identify, which is why regular dental visits are vital in preventing this oral condition. Without timely treatment, cavities can lead to unbearable toothache, infection, and loss of the affected tooth.
Bad Breath
Also called halitosis, bad breath can be caused by certain foods such as onion and garlic. Lack of proper brushing and flossing and absence of regular dentist visits cause bad breath.
Food stays in the mouth without dental hygiene, either on the tongue, teeth, or gums. Bacteria thrive on such remains and lead to bad breath.
Bad breath may also be indicative of:
· Infection in the respiratory system
· Diabetes
· Kidney or liver disorder
· A disorder of the gastrointestinal system
Diseases with Links to Oral Health
You can reduce the chances of late diagnosis of specific diseases that are linked to oral health.
Heart Attack
Cardiovascular events such as a heart attack or stroke are 2-3 times more likely to occur in people with periodontal or gum diseases. According to experts, an increase in body inflammation by gum disease leads to a buildup of plaque (cholesterol deposits) in arteries.
This condition thins blood flow pathways, reducing the reach of blood to the heart, which can result in a heart attack.
Oral Cancer
People with unhealthy gums and teeth are likely to be more susceptible to oral HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection. This can potentially lead to oral cancer over time.
Dementia
A recent study links dementia with poor oral health. Bacteria that cause gum diseases are connected to the development of dementia, in particular vascular dementia, the study states. Dementia could result from bacteria travelling from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream.
In Conclusion
Good oral health keeps your smile confident and can help protect you from debilitating diseases.
Now is the time to start taking your dental health seriously. Pre-book dentist visits so that you do not skip them. Make professional dental cleanings a priority. Seek your dentist’s advice on good oral habits and products to keep your teeth, gums, and body healthy. Contact Torbram Dental today for more information.