The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health: How Poor Oral Health Can Affect Your Body

Research has shown a direct connection between a person’s oral health and overall health. In fact, it can impact nearly all body functions. According to a study presented at the 2023 American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference, there was a potential link between oral health and brain health among the 40,000 adults analyzed who did not have a history of stroke.

While most people know the importance of maintaining good oral health, many underestimate the impact it can have on their bodies and minds. Learn more about the link between these as well as the health consequences of not taking care of your teeth.

Impacts On Your Overall Health

Like many areas of the body, the mouth is full of bacteria, some good and some bad. However, as oral bacteria can enter the digestive and respiratory tracts due to their prime location in the mouth, these bacteria can contribute to disease.

Daily brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping oral bacteria under control. However, when you have poor oral health habits, these bacteria can begin to rapidly accumulate and lead to oral infections.

Certain medical conditions and medications can contribute to poor oral health. For example, some painkillers, antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and diuretics, have been known to reduce saliva flow and allow for the buildup of bacteria.

Conditions That Can Develop

Some of the conditions that can develop due to poor oral health include:

Cardiovascular Disease

Poor oral health habits increase a person’s risk of heart disease. Periodontal disease can develop when the gums become inflamed due to a buildup of bacteria. These same bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing plaque to build up and harden in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this condition can cause heart blockages and blood flow problems.

Diabetes

While poor oral health does not cause diabetes directly, it can make a diabetic more susceptible to infections. Periodontal disease can also make diabetes more difficult to manage and can make certain symptoms worsen due to inconsistent blood sugar levels. In addition, gum disease can result in higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, increasing a person’s risk of developing diabetes.

Respiratory Infection

Poor oral health can directly affect a person’s respiratory system. Bad bacteria that accumulates due to swollen gums or infected teeth can be breathed into the lungs and travel through the bloodstream. These bacteria can then result in respiratory conditions, such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia.

Dementia

There is a link between poor oral health and dementia. Due to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth caused by poor oral hygiene, there is heightened inflammation that increases the risk of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, resulting in dementia, including the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease.

Infertility

Poor oral hygiene has also been linked with infertility in women. The development of gum disease can contribute to many other medical conditions that make it more difficult for a woman to conceive or sustain a healthy pregnancy. Women may also encounter other pregnancy complications like the low birth weight and more.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Individuals with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The oral bacteria associated with gingivitis can increase inflammation in the body. This increases a person’s chances of developing this painful and often debilitating disease.

Contact Hancock Village Dental

Maintaining your oral health is more important than you may think. Maintaining good oral health aid in the prevention of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. It can also help prevent whole-body conditions.

Along with brushing and flossing regularly at home, it’s important to see your Clermont dentist routinely for dental exams and cleanings. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a dentist in Clermont FL, contact Hancock Village Dental at 352-989-5815.