Oral Health VS Overall Health: What’s The Link?

By Rose Dental, Nashua, NH | February 26, 2021

How often do you consider your oral health in relation to your overall health? Many people don’t see the link, and yet it’s the most significant link of all that can give you clues to your current health status. When you learn about how your oral health can impact your overall health, you can get valuable clues that tell you what’s going on with your body.

Your mouth is teeming with bacteria right now – even if you are meticulous about your oral health. As Dr Min Zhu, Nashua NH dentist, will tell you, your mouth is an entry point for bacteria. It goes from your mouth to your digestive system and your respiratory tract, and the bacteria can cause infections and diseases you didn’t expect. Thankfully, the human body is incredible at being able to heal with natural defenses working for it. With good oral hygiene on top, you can keep the bacteria entering your body under control. If you don’t, the bacteria can develop into infections in the teeth and gums.

What Conditions Link Oral & Overall Health?

There are plenty of different diseases and conditions that link both oral and overall health, and your oral health can contribute to a range of conditions, including:

  • Heart Disease. It’s not understood in its entirety, but enough research suggests that heart disease and blocked arteries can occur as a result of gum disease and inflammation in the mouth.
  • Endocarditis. Another heart issus, endocarditis usually occurs when bacteria from the mouth attaches to other areas of the body.
  • Preeclampsia. Pregnant women should be aware that gum disease can result in preeclampsia and low birth weight in babies. 

 

These conditions affect your overall health and are as a result of poor oral hygiene in most cases. There are also conditions in the body that can affect your oral health, including:

  • Alzheimer’s. As the disease moves forward, patients often suffer from worsening oral health.
  • Diabetes. Diabetes puts the gums at risk. Those with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than those who don’t. 
  • Oral Cancer. Poor oral health and the manifestation of bacteria can cause certain oral cancers.

If you are taking specific medications, it’s essential to let your dentist know that they can be aware of anything that can help them protect your dental health.

How To Protect Your Teeth & Gums

You must look after your oral health to avoid a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. You can do this in the following ways:

  • Brushing twice per day with a softer brush
  • Using a fluoridated toothpaste
  • Floss after eating daily
  • Use mouthwash every day
  • Limit sugary foods
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months
  • See your dentist regularly
  • Stop smoking

Contact Dr Min Zhu, Nashua NH Dentist Now

For more information on improving your oral health, please speak to us today! We can help you to take better care of your teeth and gums. You deserve to invest in your dental health; let us be a part of it!

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