Why do you brush your teeth, floss daily, and see your dentist for checkups? Most people take these steps to keep their teeth and gums strong and healthy. That’s certainly a good reason to make oral health care a priority! But did you know that good oral health can also have benefits for the rest of your body? That’s right – keeping your teeth healthy will also help keep you healthy.
Here’s a closer look at a few key ways oral health affects your body.
The Cardiovasular System
There is a strong connection between oral health and heart health. Since heart disease is unfortunately the number one cause of death in the United States, this is a really important connection to consider. Some risk factors for heart disease, like genetics, aren’t within your control. But others, like your oral health, are able to be modified. Taking better care of your teeth and gums is a simple way to keep your heart healthy and strong as you age.
So, how does your oral health affect your cardiovascular health? There appears to be a strong connection between gum disease and heart disease. When a patient has gum disease, the oral bacteria infecting the gums can make their way into the blood vessels. Once inside the blood vessels, those bacteria cause inflammation, and that inflammation can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Gum disease can also increase your risk of developing endocarditis, a condition in which the lining of your heart becomes infected. Endocarditis can cause fatigue, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, and in some cases, death.
To help keep your cardiovascular system strong, focus on taking good care of your gums. Floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. If you develop bleeding, red, or sore gums, these are early signs of gingivitis, which suggests you need to improve your oral hygiene routine. See your dentist if your symptoms don’t improve after a week or two of vigilant brushing and flossing.
The Respiratory System
Have you been diagnosed with asthma, COPD, or another ailment of the respiratory system? If so, gum disease can lead to increased inflammation of your respiratory tract, effectively making the symptoms of these conditions even worse. People who have asthma often notice that they have more attacks or more serious attacks when their gums are unhealthy and inflamed.
This is a concern for older patients with dentures, too. If you don’t remove your dentures and clean them properly, they can hold onto oral bacteria. Those bacteria make their way into your respiratory tract, leading to increased inflammation. So, if you have removable dentures, make sure you are removing them and using a specialized rinse to clean them daily. It’s a good idea to use an antiseptic mouthwash after removing your dentures, too.
Reproductive Health
Regardless of your gender, poor oral health can lead to poor reproductive health. Men who have poor oral health are more likely to struggle with infertility. If you’ve been found to have a low sperm count, make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth and gums – it can help!
Women of reproductive age are at a higher risk of infertility if they have periodontal disease. Those who are pregnant and struggling with poor oral health, you face a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. So, it’s a good idea to improve your oral health before you begin trying to conceive. Schedule a checkup with your dentist, and if they diagnose you with gum disease or tooth decay, follow their treatment advice as closely as possible.
Brain Health
Researchers are just beginning to uncover the depth of the relationship between oral health and brain health. And brain diseases are more common than you might think. According to the American Stroke Association, 3 in 5 Americans will develop a brain disease at some point in their lives. Many brain diseases are linked to cardiovascular diseases. Take care of your mouth, and your cardiovascular system will stay healthier. A healthier cardiovascular system, in turn, will help keep your brain in good shape.
If you have gum disease or have lost teeth due to decay, you may be at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The good news is that gum disease is very treatable. If a better oral hygiene routine does not clear up your gum disease, talk to your dentist. They can prescribe antibiotics and perform a deep cleaning procedure to help fight off the oral bacteria and clear your gum infection, which will help protect your brain health, going forward.
Brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are complex, and there are many factors that affect your risk. Keeping your teeth and gums in good shape does not guarantee you’ll never develop these conditions. However, it is an easy-enough way to reduce your risk.
Cancer Risk
Like brain diseases, cancer is complicated. Most cancers have a long list of risk factors, which include diet, environmental exposures, and genetics. The good news is that you can make a few healthy lifestyle choices, and they can reduce your risk of many different cancers. For example, eating more fruits and veggies, avoiding smoking, and getting plenty of exercise will go a long way towards reducing your risk of colorectal, pancreatic, breast, and lung cancers.
Taking care of your teeth and gums will also help reduce your risk of cancer. Specifically, people who avoid gum disease and tooth decay are less likely to develop stomach cancer. You may also reduce your risk of colorectal and lung cancer.
Specifically, it is important to see your dentist for regular checkups in order to help protect against oral cancer. The early stages of oral cancer cause few symptoms, and your dentist is more likely to notice those symptoms during a regular checkup. So, routine dental care can ensure you’re diagnosed early when cancer is easier to treat.
Diabetes Risk
The relationship between oral health and diabetes is a two-way street. Those who have diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth decay, especially when their diabetes is not well controlled. And, while poor dental health alone won’t cause diabetes, it can make diabetes more harmful and harder to control.
If you have diabetes, make sure you tell your dentist. They may feel you need more frequent checkups or cleaning appointments to keep your teeth and gums in good health. They may also recommend specific products or habits you can use to keep your teeth and gums in better health as the years go on.
If you do have diabetes, keep a close eye out for early signs of gum disease. If you notice any unusual swelling, bleeding, or pain, this is a sure sign you need to improve your oral hygiene habits.
Keep your teeth and gums healthy, and the rest of your body will thank you. If you’re looking for a new dentist, don’t hesitate to contact Orange City Modern Dentistry. We offer a full range of preventative dental care services, and more.