Healthy Mouth Lifestyle Program
Your Oral Health is more important than you might realise. Learn how the health of your Mouth, Teeth and Gums can affect your general health.
Did you know that your Oral Health offers clues about your overall health or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body ?
Protect yourself by learning more about the connection between your Oral Health and overall Health.
What's the connection between Oral Health and overall, Health?
Like other areas of the body, your mouth teems with bacteria- mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your Digestive and Respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease. Normally the body’s natural defences and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Also certain medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants can reduce the saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease. Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (Periodontitis) might play a role in some disease, and certain diseases, such as Diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, making oral health problems more severe.
What conditions can be linked to Oral Health?
Your Oral Health might contribute to various disease and conditions, including
Diabetes
By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease (Periodontitis) appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Periodontitis is considered as the 6th complication of diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their Blood Sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control. Cardiovascular Disease. Many researches suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
ENDOCARDITIS
Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream and infect the heart, causing endocarditis.
Cardiovascular disease
Infections and inflammation from oral germs can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.
LUNG HEALTH
Pneumonia: Germs from the mouth can enter the lungs and cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
BONE HEALTH
Osteoporosis: Gum disease may weaken bones in other parts of the body, including the arms and legs.
BRAIN HEALTH
Cognitive decline and dementia: Poor oral health, especially gum disease and tooth loss, can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
KIDNEY HEALTH
Kidney disease: Gum disease can decrease kidney function, which can lead to other problems like heart disease and stroke.
Other Health Issues
Social and economic impact
Poor oral health can make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect school and work performance.
Cancer
A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
HIV/AIDS
Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Pregnancy and birth complications
Gum disease can be linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
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
Smilecity Dentist will take your medical history. Tell your Smilecity dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes.
Stay Smiling with Smilecity!
Visit us every 6 months for a check-up and keep your oral health in top shape!