General Health & Oral Health – Are They Linked?

It’s easy to dismiss oral health as minor or even just cosmetic in nature. But nothing could be further from the truth!

In fact, clinical research increasingly shows a very strong correlation between general health and oral health. In other words, health problems in your mouth and teeth can then spread to the rest of your body and cause serious issues.

First, your mouth is filled with good bacteria. Don’t panic! That’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. But, without proper dental and/or oral care, that delicate balance of good versus bad bacteria can tip over and lead to decay and gum disease as well as oral infections that can then spread throughout the body.

Furthermore, studies suggest that oral bacteria and inflammation from periodontitis (severe gum disease) might play a role in some diseases. Certain diseases, including diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can impede the body’s immune system and make these oral health problems that much more serious.

Poor oral health can also contribute to other serious diseases, including:

·       Endocarditis. This is when your heart’s inner linings get infected. Infections can travel from the mouth to other parts of the body, including the heart, via the bloodstream.

·       Cardiovascular disease. This connection is not fully understood, but there is research to suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke might be linked to the oral inflammation and infections.

·       Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease has also been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

·       Pneumonia. Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

This is exactly why oral and dental health care are so incredibly important! It’s time to think of dental care as part of general health and to ensure that dental needs are always covered.