Why Dental Health is SO Important
Everything you eat or drink, even most of the air you breathe, travels through your mouth. That means a lot of bacteria builds up in your mouth throughout the day. These harmful materials can then actually enter the bloodstream through your gums and saliva. This gives bacteria a direct line into your body! You should brush twice a day, floss daily, and rinse out your mouth to prevent food particles from staying stuck (drink lots of water, use mouth wash, etc.).
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
This is the most basic health issue that happens as a result of not taking care of your dental health. The more that food and bacteria sit between your teeth, the more damage they can do. They weaken tooth enamel and can eventually cause tooth decay, cavities, and even tooth loss!
As your body tries to fight the bacteria in their mouths, it sends additional blood to the affected area. This is what causes gum inflammation and bleeding that we refer to as gingivitis. Gingivitis is considered a minor version of gum disease! As it progresses, the gums get more infected and can start to affect your overall health.
Pneumonia & Respiratory Illness
Lungs get a large amount of the bacteria that has built up in the mouth. This can cause a number of respiratory issues including pneumonia and emphysema. One of the ways oral bacteria can negatively affect your health is by causing lung infections. You can inhale bacteria as a result of the buildup in your mouth. These bacteria travel through your system and lodge in your lungs, causing respiratory issues including pneumonia.
Pregnancy Issues
Oral health issues have been known to cause the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women. Bacteria in the body can increase infection which may lead to an issue with pregnancy.
Heart Problems
Periodontal disease, which is a chronic bacterial infection in the gums, increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If it is built up in the mouth, the infection can move through the body via saliva.
Another serious consequence of unattended oral bacteria is heart disease. As the bacterial infection spreads and enters your bloodstream, bacterial plaques can start building up on the valves in your heart. The extra burden on your heart, in addition to the infection, can lead to heart attack and even stroke.
Diabetes
Gum disease can cause diabetic symptoms to worsen by restricting blood flow. People who have diabetes have difficulties keeping glucose levels in check. Improperly managed glucose levels in the mouth can encourage bacteria to grow and will travel throughout the body.
Arthritis
Bacteria in the blood system is thought to lead to the development of arthritis in the joints quicker than it would with good oral health.
Alzheimer's
A study published in Science Advances (1 Jan 2019, https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/1/eaau3333. Accessed 18 June 2021.) found that there may be a correlation between Alzheimer’s and insufficient oral hygiene. In studying Alzheimer patients, researchers discovered that numerous patients had a pathogen in their brains that has been linked to gum disease.
Dental Health & Body Connection
Keep your teeth healthy, and make sure your overall health is in good condition by visiting your local dentist regularly! Taking good care of your teeth is part of a healthy routine to make sure you live a long and healthy life free from complications and serious illness. Access Dental and Dentures is here to make sure your dental health is in great condition. Give us a call to schedule an appointment!
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