Your mouth is the gateway to the body, and not just because it is how we get our fuel, but because your oral health can be an indicator of y...
Your mouth is the gateway to the body, and not just because it is how we get our fuel, but because your oral health can be an indicator of your entire body’s health. Good oral hygiene isn’t just about having a nice smile and keeping bad breath at bay, it’s about living a healthy lifestyle and being at your very healthiest. The bacteria that live in our mouth aren’t confined to the mouth, which means an unhealthy mouth can result in an unhealthy body.
Not only is the mouth the gateway to the body, but it can also be an indicator for general health. Your mouth could tell you that something else is wrong with your body. The body is a well oiled machine, and when one part has issues, it affects the others.
Green Apple Dental prepared some issues that can arise from poor oral hygiene?
Cardiovascular Disease: Oral bacteria have been believed to have a link to inflammation and infection. This can lead to clogged arteries, stroke, and heart disease. Keeping periodontal disease in check through proper oral hygiene can prevent the spread of these bacteria.
Dementia: It is believed that the bacteria associated with gingivitis can enter the bloodstream or nerve channels and get into the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Diabetic complications: It can be hard to control blood sugar due to diabetes when the gums are inflamed. Diabetes can also make you more susceptible to periodontal disease, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent both issues.
Premature Birth: The bacteria in the mouth that comes as a result of gum disease has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth. This makes it exceptionally important for expectant mothers to take extra care in their oral care routine during pregnancy.
Endocarditis: Bacteria in the mouth can spread throughout the bloodstream and cause infection of damaged areas of the lining of the heart.
What are some issues that appear in the mouth as a result of poor health?
Tooth loss: As bones lose strength and become brittle through the progression of osteoporosis, teeth also become weak.
Lesions: Those who have HIV/AIDs have been shown to have lesions that appear in the mouth as a result of the disease.
Gum disease: Those who have maintained proper oral health routines but still have symptoms of gum disease should be checked out by a health professional, as this can be a sign of diabetes.
Taking proper care of your mouth will lead to overall improved health. And keeping your natural teeth intact will allow your body to chew and digest foods properly. People with their own teeth live on average of six years longer than those with false teeth due to this. Who would have thought brushing your teeth and caring for your mouth the right way could actually extend your life. The reasons to keep your mouth healthy aren’t just for vanity- they can save your life.
