Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and this is why the condition of your teeth can affect other systems in your body. Despite the fact that most people regard oral health to be independent of their overall health, the two are actually interconnected.
Many people underestimate the importance of proper oral care and fail to realize that it affects not only the mouth’s state. On the other hand, proper care of the oral cavity and treatment of oral diseases can significantly contribute to the prevention and control of various body diseases.
In this blog post, we will analyze how oral health is connected with the general health of the individual, and consider possible correlations between dental issues and diseases.
Mouth-body Connection
The mouth contains a rich and complex population of microorganisms, collectively referred to as the oral microbial community. Many of these bacteria are harmless and are actually part of the normal flora in the mouth; however, an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria can cause infections and inflammation in the mouth.
Oral infections or gum diseases (periodontitis) can result in bacteria and their products getting into the blood through the infected gum issues. This can cause an immune response and inflammation that affects the entire body, which may lead to the worsening or onset of certain diseases.
The oral cavity is also linked to the respiratory system and bacteria in the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs which poses a greater risk of pneumonia in the immune-compromised persons or those with a history of respiratory illnesses.
Oral Health and Cardiovascular Disease
Various researches have confirmed the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular diseases. Periodontal disease is an ongoing inflammatory disorder that permits bacteria and inflammatory mediators to disseminate to the systemic circulation. These substances can cause the formation of plaques in the arterial walls, a process known as atherosclerosis. That is why this condition may lead to the narrowing or blockage of arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes.
In addition, inflammation involved in gum diseases can affect the cardiovascular system indirectly by causing the destruction of endothelial cells of blood vessels. This could result in the development of blood clots, thus heightening the possibility of heart attack and stroke.
Oral Health and Diabetes
There is a strong link between oral health and diabetes; both conditions affect each other. Diabetes patients with high and uncontrolled blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of developing gum disease (periodontitis) because high sugar levels affect the body’s immunity and ability to combat infections.
On the other hand, advanced periodontitis complicates the control of blood glucose in diabetic patients. Periodontal disease is characterized by chronic inflammation and it has been found to cause insulin resistance, which makes the body unable to effectively use the insulin hormone in regulating blood sugar.
Moreover, oral bacteria and their metabolites in the bloodstream can also contribute to worsening insulin resistance and glucose metabolism, resulting in diabetes-related complications.
Oral Health and Respiratory Conditions
The oral cavity is a reservoir of bacteria that can be aspirated into the lungs causing respiratory infections and worsening of the existing respiratory disease. The failure to clean the oral cavity properly and the presence of periodontal diseases can enhance the level of pathogenic microorganisms in the mouth, thus raising the possibility of lung colonization by these microbes.
Aspiration of oral bacteria by immuno-compromised patients or those with COPD or cystic fibrosis may result in life-threatening respiratory infections including pneumonia. In addition, Gum disease can cause inflammation that could lead to constriction of the airways and production of excessive mucus, worsening respiratory issues.
Conclusion
Oral health plays an enormous role in the general health of an individual, and this cannot be over emphasized. Our mouths are considered entryways to the rest of the body, and conditions in our mouths can affect other parts of our bodies.
It is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent such diseases by brushing and flossing daily, as well as visiting a dental professional for checkups. So, do not underestimate what happens inside your mouth as an important part of your overall health and well-being. Start taking oral health seriously and incorporate it into your health improvement process.
