How Your Oral Health is linked to the Rest of Your Body
There are many reasons to practice good dental hygiene — reduced risk of cavities, infections, and gum disease, as well as beautiful teeth, fresh breath, and more affordable dental care. But did you know that your oral health is also linked to many other health problems throughout your body?
Numerous studies have linked dental health to overall health, and both physicians and dentists are taking notice. How does the health of your mouth affect the rest of your body? Below are some examples of the most common links, and why caring for your oral health is more important than you may have thought.
Your Mouth is the Gateway to the Rest of Your Body
Inflammation is the key to understanding how your mouth is linked to the rest of your body. Bacteria can easily build up on your teeth, combined with food particles and plaque. This mixture makes the gums prone to infection. When your body’s immune system reacts, attacking the infection, your gums become inflamed. The inflammation present in patients with gum disease has been linked to inflammatory diseases throughout the body, and while the exact cause and effect hasn’t been determined, the American Academy of Periodontology states that the treatment of periodontal disease has been shown to manage chronic inflammatory conditions throughout the body, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and arthritis.
Oral Health and Heart Disease
Gum disease and heart disease have many risk factors in common, including smoking, obesity, and an unhealthy diet. Although the reasons aren’t clearly understood, it’s clear that the two are linked. One theory is that the inflammation that is present in patients with gum disease causes inflammation in the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of cardiac episodes.
Oral Health and Diabetes
The inflammation associated with gum disease is thought to weaken the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and utilize insulin. High blood sugar, in turn, provides ideal conditions for periodontal disease and increased inflammation. Diabetics often suffer from a weakened immune system, which makes it harder for them to fight off infections, including those associated with gum disease.
Oral Health and Systemic Health
While the study of oral health and the links to other parts of the body is a relatively new field, many promising studies are beginning to show links between oral health and rheumatoid arthritis, lung conditions, obesity, and even Osteoporosis.
As physicians, dentists, and researchers make new discoveries linking oral health and overall health, one thing becomes clear — caring for your teeth, gums, and mouth should not be an oversight. In fact, it may be one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
Our team of dental professionals can help you on a path toward optimal oral health. Give us a call today to find out how.