How does oral health affect overall body health?

How oral health affects overall health

Did you know that brushing your teeth is not just good for your oral health; it can also impact the health of your body? 

Oral health and overall health are connected more than most people think. In fact, your oral health often acts as a window into the rest of your body. Poor oral health can cause other problems with your heart and cardiovascular system. 

How are oral health and overall health linked?

Your mouth acts as a gateway to the rest of the body. While the bacteria found in our mouths are mostly harmless, as the entry points to your digestive system and your respiratory tracts, there’s still potential for bacteria to affect other parts of your body. 

Poor oral health can lead to pain and infection that can spread to other parts of the body and lead to:

Heart Disease

While there are lots of factors that increase your risk of heart disease such as an unhealthy diet, too much alcohol and a lack of exercise, many people don’t know that their dental health and heart health are also closely linked.

Gum disease or periodontitis causes inflammation in the mouth. This inflammation can spread to other parts of the body contributing to cardiovascular issues, stroke and diabetes. 

Studies show that people with periodontitis have higher rates of Atherosclerosis – a condition that causes the hardening of arteries. This happens when plaque gradually builds up inside the arteries, limiting blood flow. Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks or stroke.

Lung conditions

Poor oral health is also linked to common lung conditions like sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An increase in plaque can lead to bacteria entering the lungs and causing respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. 

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, caused by bacteria. If you suffer from gingivitis or have poor dental health bacteria can travel to your lungs through your bloodstream or respiratory system. People with weakened immune systems, like the elderly or those with chronic conditions, and even asthma sufferers are more susceptible to respiratory infections.

Alzheimer's 

Alzheimer’s disease is complex and not yet fully understood. New research suggests that as well as genetic and environmental factors, inflammation in the body can have detrimental effects on the brain. 

Gum disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. When plaque stays on the teeth for too long it can lead to inflammation of the gums. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can cause inflammation in other parts of the body and may increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.  

Like with diabetes, Alzheimer’s can also make managing your oral health harder, increasing the risk of developing gum disease. 

Diabetes

Dental health and diabetes are closely linked. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing oral health problems and oral health problems make it more difficult to manage diabetes. The risk of developing gum disease is greater for diabetics as their blood sugar levels are harder to control. 

High blood sugar levels weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections, including gum infections. Diabetics may suffer from more frequent gum infections, inflammation of the gums or bleeding gums. 

If you are a diabetic, limiting the amount of sugary food you eat can help control your blood sugar while reducing your risk of gum disease.

Pregnancy

Poor dental hygiene is linked to adverse outcomes in pregnancy like low birth weight and premature birth. While pregnancy itself doesn’t cause gum disease, changes in hormones, lifestyle factors and diet can make you more susceptible to developing cavities and gum disease.

Reflux and vomiting increase the risk of tooth decay. Dietary changes like an increase in eating snack foods or eating sugary foods due to food cravings can also lead to pregnancy gingivitis. 

With more bacteria in the mouth due to increased levels of plaque, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel into the placenta. 

If you are trying to fall pregnant, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist beforehand and take care of any early signs of gum disease ahead of time. During pregnancy you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and use mouthwash if you struggle with gagging when brushing your back teeth.

Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common digestive condition that causes symptoms like bloating, cramps, constipation and diarrhoea. IBS can range from food sensitivities to more serious bowel diseases like Crohn’s and Colitis. 

While IBS isn’t well understood, new evidence suggests that severe forms of gum disease and inflammatory bowel diseases may be linked.

Periodontitis and bowel syndromes have a common link — they are both caused by severe inflammation — just in different parts of the body. Emerging studies have even shown mouth bacteria present in the gut of people who suffer from IBS. This migration can trigger a defence reaction to oral bacteria invading the gut. 

Looking after oral health can reduce inflammation in the mouth and gut. 

Need a dental checkup?

Dental checkups are the best way to stay on top of your oral health. Book an appointment today at one of our four locations across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.