The connection between oral health and overall health

Many people may not realise the close connection between oral health and overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist at Tranquility Dentistry regularly not only prevents dental problems, but also helps to protect against other health issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the connection between oral health and overall health.

Poor oral health can lead to a host of health problems, including:

Cardiovascular disease:

Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which includes conditions such as heart attack and stroke. This link is believed to be due to the fact that the same bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

When the gums become inflamed due to gum disease, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in other parts of the body, including the arteries. This can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can restrict blood flow to the heart and brain.

In addition, some studies have shown that the bacteria that cause gum disease can also increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes:

There is a strong link between poor oral health and diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing gum disease, and gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, leading to complications related to diabetes.

The connection between poor oral health and diabetes is believed to be due to the fact that high blood sugar levels can lead to changes in the oral environment, making it easier for bacteria to thrive. This can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause gum disease.

In turn, gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels by increasing inflammation in the body. This can make it harder for insulin to work properly, leading to higher blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of complications related to diabetes.

Respiratory infections:

It may come as a surprise to many people that poor oral health can contribute to respiratory infections. However, studies have shown that there is a clear link between the two.

Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. In some cases, these microorganisms can be found in the mouth and throat. If they are not removed through good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, they can travel down the airways and into the lungs, where they can cause infection.

There is also evidence to suggest that the bacteria that cause gum disease can contribute to the development of respiratory infections. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are more likely to develop pneumonia and other respiratory infections than those with healthy gums. This is thought to be due to the fact that the bacteria that cause gum disease can travel from the mouth to the lungs, where they can cause infection.

Pregnancy complications:

Pregnancy is a time of significant changes in a woman’s body, including hormonal shifts that can affect oral health. In fact, studies have shown that poor oral health can contribute to a variety of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

The link between poor oral health and pregnancy complications is thought to be due to the fact that certain oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the uterus, where they can trigger an inflammatory response. This can lead to a range of problems, including premature labour and delivery, as well as low birth weight.

In addition, pregnancy can exacerbate existing dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay, due to changes in hormone levels. Pregnant women may also experience morning sickness, which can result in increased acidity in the mouth, leading to erosion of tooth enamel and an increased risk of cavities.

Dementia:

Recent research suggests that there may be a link between oral health and dementia. Gum disease bacteria may enter the brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream, contributing to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition to these health problems, poor oral health can also cause pain, discomfort, and embarrassment, which can all affect a person’s quality of life.

How practicing good oral hygiene can benefit your overall health

Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly can have numerous benefits for overall health including reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, gaining better control of diabetes, improved respiratory health, reducing the risk of dementia and for women reducing the risk of pregnancy complications.

To maintain good oral health, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It is also important to visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, as well as to treat any dental problems promptly. By taking care of your teeth and gums, you can not only prevent dental problems, but also protect against other health issues, improving your quality of life in the process.

If you are looking for an Ipswich family dentist, give the team at Tranquility Dentistry a call on (07) 3060 4724. We are conveniently located on Warwick Road, Yamanto. We can help you with maintaining your oral health.

The connection between oral health and overall health