Oral hygiene encourages the mouth to be in good condition. Where this is neglected, one may experience problems ranging from decayed teeth, dental cavities, gum disease, toothache and a host of other unpleasant dental conditions. At one time or the other, people go through some oral health issues. You may already know how badly affected your gum and teeth could be if not properly taken care of.
However, are you aware that oral health problems are associated with general health concerns? You will soon find out.
How is your general health affected by oral health?
There are friendly and important microbes in different body parts, including the mouth. These microorganisms play a role in keeping our health in good condition. However, these microbes can become malignant when their comfort zone is disturbed.
According to studies, these microbes can spread into the blood and cause problems in parts of the body. This is why proper dental hygiene is encouraged – it maintains healthy levels of these microbes and bacteria.
What are the health problems that improper oral care can cause?
Can oral health issues trigger overall health conditions? Yes! And the induced conditions include:
Cardiovascular diseases
The latest studies show a link between dental problems and heart disease. Take, for instance, gum disease. This condition is brought on by plaque bacteria at the bottom of the gum line. Although the relationship is yet to be confirmed, gum diseased persons have more chances of getting a heart attack.
Gum inflammation releases toxic bacteria that can move into the bloodstream and induce atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries. This happens because bacteria can lead to plaque formation on artery walls, and blood flow is restricted. Consequently, a stroke or heart attack may be the result.
This is an insulin problem. When this substance is not used up by the body or isn’t available in good quantity, diabetes is diagnosed. World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that in 2016, diabetes ranked number 7 in the top causes of death. In the UK, 3.8 million persons were diagnosed to be diabetic in 2018.
And studies show that those with gum disease have more chances of becoming diabetic than those who didn’t have gum disease at all or have, but it’s minimal. A theory explaining the cause of this states that severe mouth infection causes the transmission of inflammation throughout the body, so sugar processing in the body gets affected.
Pancreatic cancer
Annually, about 8,000 persons in the UK are found to have pancreatic cancer. This condition ranks number 5 in cancers that kill. There are predictions that cancer of the pancreas will topple breast cancer as the number 4 commonest cancer come 2030.
According to an NCBI journal publication, improper oral care has been under the light as a factor that can trigger pancreas cancer. Many different studies believe that an increased risk of pancreatic cancer stems from a history of gum disease. Direct causes of this condition are yet to be affirmed, but there are suggestions that systemic inflammation or mouth-produced carcinogenic compounds can trigger this issue.
Infection of the lungs and pneumonia
When bacteria or fungi infect the lungs, it causes pneumonia. The latest research has confirmed that poor oral health is associated with pneumonia. Although the study concentrated on high rise groups, it suggests that those with gum disease had more chances of being infected with lung disease than others with low-level gum disease.
A healthy immune system can sort out bacteria and give the body protection. In contrast, an impaired immune system won’t be able to able to resist unhealthy bacteria, so it can spread to the lungs and trigger serious respiratory conditions.
Pregnancy and dental care
In the face of a weak confirmation that poor oral care can induce pregnancy problems, medical professionals still encourage pregnant mothers to take care of their dental health.
There is a link between bad oral health and pregnancy issues like low birth weight and premature birth; this study doesn’t hold much evidence.
In general, pregnant women are asked to keep good oral hygiene and see their dentist as regular as possible.
Other health conditions may be linked with improper oral care: Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, studies are going on to confirm direct links.
It is clearly important that oral hygiene matters with all these half facts. You should adopt and keep up a good dental care routine for our teeth’ well-being and overall health.
Tips that can help:
- Always brush your teeth two times a day
- Remember to floss at least one-time a day
- Foods that will do good to your teeth should be eaten
- See your dentist twice a year
When you keep this up, your teeth and general health will be grateful to you. And at London Braces, we highly encourage good dental hygiene to keep teeth and body in the best health ever. Reach out to us today for more information.
