If you think your oral health doesn’t affect your overall health, it’s best to dismiss the idea entirely. Since your mouth is the first access point for nutrients to enter, neglecting your mouth will cause the bacteria to accumulate over time, causing oral and, soon, health issues.
Moreover, research shows a relationship between good oral health and wellness. A study by the World Health Organization revealed that most oral conditions share risk factors with other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory diseases. Thus, it’s best to know more about the connection between the two and take care of your oral hygiene.
Oral Hygiene and Overall Health
Your oral and overall health go hand-in-hand. This means that poor oral health will also mean poor overall wellness. In a study from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, those with gum disease had a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack. Moreover, the study concluded that gum disease is significantly linked to diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and arthritis.
Additionally, Salomon Amar, a professor at the Center for Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutics in Boston, says any inflammation or bacteria in your mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause more inflammation in other parts. This is why one needs to take care of their teeth and gums.
Wisdom Teeth Removal is another example of the connection between oral hygiene and overall health. If the mouth becomes too inflamed due to your wisdom teeth, it can cause extreme discomfort and, even worse, an infection. In rare cases, wisdom teeth can cause pressure on the jaw, which may require additional surgery.
Health Complications
Good oral health doesn’t only mean good teeth, as it also entails taking care of your gums and tongue. Taking care of every nook and cranny ensures that you won’t experience any serious health complications in the future.
Cardiovascular Disease
Inflammation in your mouth can cause periodontal infections in the gums. If neglected, these can build up over time and cause an immune response that increases the risk of a cardiovascular disease.
In a 2021 study, periodontal disease, which is common in the United States, has been linked with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although other risk factors played a part in the development of the disease, there’s no denying that oral health also played a role.
Moreover, this study also had results similar to those of other studies. In Korea, adults aged 65 years with a risk for cardiovascular diseases were also diagnosed with periodontal disease. Likewise, their treatment included education on maintaining good oral health to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is a life-threatening disease found in the inner lining of the heart. In a 2021 narrative study, researchers suggest that persisting oral infections may lead to bacterial transfer to the bloodstream. The bacteria will then travel and stick to your heart’s linings, causing endocarditis. In the same study, prevention of endocarditis included dental interventions.
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnancy and birth complications are also a risk if you have bad oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% to 75% of pregnant women have the first stage of gum disease – gingivitis.
Also, the inflammation could be aggravated due to the pregnancy. If left untreated, one may lose parts of their jaw due to the infection. Periodontitis is also associated with poor health outcomes for both the baby, such as low birth weight and preterm birth.
Pneumonia
The risk for pneumonia was higher in those with noticeable oral issues like missing teeth or cavities. Excess bacteria can spread to your lungs and cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or bronchitis.
In a 2020 study, good oral hygiene behaviors lowered pneumonia risks regardless of comorbidities and age. Moreover, practicing good oral habits reduces the risks in the general population.
Good Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth is to tackle it with good hygiene. Here, it’s best to plan your routine and stick with it until the end. Doing so will help you maintain a good routine that will benefit you in the long run.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is always the best way to a good regimen. Here, you should use a fluoride toothpaste and brush in gentle circular motions. Doing so will remove any plaque buildup in the corners of your teeth. It’s best not to forget your tongue as well!
Antiseptic Rinses Are Recommended
Using an antiseptic rinse is also optimal for a mouth rinse. These help reduce the acid levels and clean your mouth in unreachable places. Gargling with an antiseptic rinse removes any food particles and reduces any staining left from beverages like coffee, red wine, or tea.
Don’t Forget Water
There are plenty of benefits to drinking water. It keeps your mouth hydrated and prevents the decrease of saliva flow, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Moreover, it helps you swallow without problems and strengthens your teeth by removing strong chemicals from food or drinks.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy has always been a must, but as a connection was established to your overall health, there is an even greater reason for doing so. With this, you should maintain good health and prevent any complicated health issues in the future. Thus, start your healthy oral journey today and start caring for your overall health.
The post Oral Hygiene and Its Effect on Your Health appeared first on NSF News and Magazine.