Does a healthy mouth mean a healthy body?

A healthy mouth and teeth are more than just a white, bright smile. Good oral health and hygiene can improve your health, and the risk of severe diseases can be reduced by maintaining good oral hygiene. 

Your overall health and oral health have a two-way relationship. Oral diseases can cause health diseases and vice-versa. If you are facing health problems, your oral health might be affected. For example, diabetes increases the chances of gum disease. On the other hand, diabetes becomes hard to manage if you are suffering from gum disease. 

You should protect yourself by knowing more about the connection between your overall and oral health.

How are your oral health and overall health connected?

Like other areas, your mouth teems with bacteria. The mouth is the main entry point to our respiratory and digestive tracts; some bacteria can enter our mouths and cause diseases. Our good oral health care, such as daily flossing and brushing, can keep the bacteria under control.

However, bacteria can reach our bodies if we do not follow a proper oral hygiene routine, which may lead to oral infections, including gum disease and tooth decay.

Studies suggest that the inflammation and oral bacteria associated with gum disease can play a significant role in some diseases. There are some diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes, that can lower the resistance of the body to severe infections, and this makes oral health problems very severe.

What are some conditions which can be linked to oral health?

Your dental health might contribute to some major health issues, including:

• Endocarditis: This infection occurs when bacteria from another part of your body, such as the mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to some areas in your heart.
• Cardiovascular disease: Some research suggests that the diseases of the heart, stroke, and clogged arteries might be linked to the infections and inflammation which oral bacteria can cause.
• Pneumonia: Some bacteria in our mouth can be pulled into our lungs, causing respiratory diseases and pneumonia.
• Pregnancy: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.

What are the advantages of keeping our teeth and gums healthy?

• Boosts confidence and self-esteem: Decayed gums and teeth are associated with an unsightly mouth and bad breath, which can affect our self-image, confidence, and self-esteem. Our quality of life improves with a healthy mouth free of cavities and gum disease. This allows us to sleep better, eat properly and concentrate with no mouth infections to distract us.
• Lower risk of heart diseases: Chronic inflammation from the diseases of gums has been associated with cardiovascular problems such as blockages of blood vessels, heart disease, and strokes. According to experts, there is a cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease and health problems. Experts suggest that maintaining oral hygiene helps to protect our overall health.
• Preserves memory: According to one of the reports in the Journal of neurology, neurosurgery & psychiatry, adults with gingivitis performed worse on memory and cognitive skills than those with healthier mouths and gums. Therefore, taking care of your oral health becomes essential, and it can preserve your memory.
• Reduce the inflammation and risk of infection in your body: Poor oral health is linked to infection in various body parts. Research has found a relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and gum diseases that can cause inflammation of joints. Seeing your dentist regularly, eating a balanced diet, and taking care of your oral hygiene can help you avoid gum disease and tooth decay. 

How to protect your oral health and be free from all diseases?

To care for your oral health, you should practice good oral hygiene regularly, keeping your body and mouth free from all diseases. Here are some ways of maintaining good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes both the time. Try using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. You should also floss daily.
• Use mouthwash to remove the food particles left after flossing and brushing.
• Have a healthy diet and restrict sugary drinks and foods.
• Replace your brush once every two to three months.
• Schedule your regular dental cleanings and cleanings.

You can contact your dentist when you encounter an oral health problem. If you take care of your dental health, it would be an investment made in your overall health.