We might sometimes ignore a small tooth ache or might oversee the light tooth stain but these can be a matter of serious concern. Very few of us know that our gum health can tell a lot about our general physical condition. Problems in your mouth can influence your overall health. We need to understand the close connection between our dental and overall health and also the ways by which we can protect ourselves from the problems caused due to unhealthy gums.
Just like our other body parts, our jaws are also teeming with bacteria. Usually natural body mechanisms and good gum care like brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily can keep the harmful bacteria at bay. However, the bacteria content in your gums can increase and might result in oral illness causing tooth decay and other gum ailments. In accumulation to that, there are some medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics that can lead to reduction in the saliva flow. Saliva tends to wash away food and counteracts acids formed by the bacteria present inside our mouth, helping you to safeguard yourself from the microbial incursion or overgrowth that may result in harmful ailments.
Conditions linked To Oral Health
Your oral health is a window to many serious health problems. There are many studies and researches that have suggested that oral bacteria and irritation is linked with a harsh form of gum ailment called periodontitis. This disorder might play a significant role in diseases like diabetes and HIV/AIDS and can lower your body’s resistance to infection worsens the oral health problems. We have listed the other serious aftereffects of poor oral health.
Cardiovascular Diseases- Cardio vascular diseases are briefly referred to as heart diseases. Harmful bacteria from the swelled gums and periodontal ailment can go into your bloodstream and can pass through to the arteries in the heart and cause hardening of the arteries also known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis leads plaque to grow on the internal walls of arteries. This condenses and reduces or may obstruct blood flow through the body. This can lead to an increased danger of heart attack or stroke. This can also lead to a condition called Endocarditis where the internal lining of the heart can become infected and inflamed.
Dementia-The bacteria from gingivitis can go through the entire brain either in the course of nerve channels in the head or through the bloodstream, this can also pose other hazardous risks and can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Respiratory Infections- The Journal of Periodontology advises that ill oral health can also lead to harmful infections in your lungs, including pneumonia. Breathing in bacteria from bad gums or infected teeth over a prolonged period of time may prove hazardous to our respiratory system.
Diabetes- Diabetes decreases the body’s resistance to illness — putting the gums in danger. Gum diseases come out to be more recurrent and harsh amongst the diabetic patients. Various studies reveal that patients suffering from gum diseases have a difficult time in managing their blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy and Birth- Bad oral health leads to Periodontitis when there is inflammation of tissue around the teeth and that results in shrinkage of gums and loosening of the teeth. This condition has a direct link to premature birth and low birth weight.
HIV/AIDS – It has been noticed that most of the HIV/AIDS patients suffer from oral problems. Painful mucosal lesions are the most common gum diseases amongst the HIV/AIDS patients.
Osteoporosis- Osteoporosis leads to weak and fragile bones and may be associated with periodontal bone and tooth loss.
Sjogren’s Syndrome — This leads to immune system disorder and leads to dry mouth and a lot of other eating disorders.
Strengthen Your Gums and Stay Healthy
The message is loud and clear: Maintaining proper dental care is important in many ways which you might not have ignored or might have never thought of before. For healthy gums, you need to keep certain important points in mind.
- Brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss Regularly.
- Keep your diet healthy and don’t indulge in between-meal snacks.
- Change your toothbrush every three to four months or if you notice your bristles getting frayed.
· Go for regular dental check-ups.
Seek for your dentist as soon as you face an oral health problem. Keep in mind that taking care of your oral health will prove to be an asset to your overall health. Doing so can not only safeguard your teeth but can also save you from other life threatening diseases.