Having great teeth goes beyond being attractive; it’s also a clear indicator of good health. Multiple studies have shown that certain illnesses have symptoms that manifest in the form of oral problems. So if you’ve been suffering from a persistent mouth sore or bleeding gums that just won’t stop, it’s time to consult with your local dentist for help and advice not only to address the issue but also to achieve long-lasting oral health.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the link between dental health and your overall well-being, taking note of the multiple connections that tie dental concerns to our bodies.
Understanding the mouth-body connection as a two-way street.
Because the mouth serves as the “gate” to our bodies, this is how we consume food, drink, vitamins, medicines, and other forms of nourishment to help us function. As long as you have good habits and eat healthy food, it will usually be evident with your oral health. This is one of many reasons why the dentists at Brunswick Dental Studio and everywhere else encourage patients to practice good overall health and preventative dental care.
Gum disease is linked to heart disease.
Many studies have shown how gum disease and heart disease are linked and can trigger one another; people who are suffering from heart disease also have gum disease, and vice versa. For one, gum diseases are the results of bacterial infection, which can cause bleeding and inflammation not only in the affected area of the gum but in its surrounding tissues, too. This infection is dangerous since there’s a high chance that it could enter the bloodstream, which can further lead to heart problems, causing inflammation in the valves and blood vessels. If the blood vessels are inflamed, an individual could suffer from atherosclerosis, where lesions in the heart are formed, leading to serious illnesses like heart attack or stroke.
Gum diseases are tied to diabetes.
Similar to heart disease, studies have shown that there’s a direct link between gum disease and diabetes. People who are suffering from gum disease have a higher chance of developing diabetes if they don’t already have it, and the same can be said the other way around. Diabetics have a hard time controlling their sugar and having a high sugar level can negatively affect their oral health, where they tend to develop gum infections. Speaking of infections, diabetic people also have a weaker immune system, making it harder for them to fight off such infections. At worst, it could lead to the development of periodontitis, damaging the tissues around the gums and causing tooth loss.
Gum disease can be a warning sign of respiratory infection.
People who are already at a more serious stage of gum disease, which is periodontitis, can develop respiratory problems. Similar to how bacteria can infect the bloodstream, the same bacteria that are found in the mouth can also travel to the lungs and cause inflammation. This is why it doesn’t come as a surprise when people who have gum disease also suffer from worsening symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other serious illnesses like pneumonia, emphysema, and bronchitis, to name a few.
Oral issues may cause pregnancy complications.
Expecting mothers are also at higher risk of developing pregnancy complications if they are suffering from gum disease. Pregnant women who have periodontitis can have certain complications; they could give birth prematurely or have babies that have low birth weight. Besides these two, pregnant mothers can also develop preeclampsia, resulting in high blood pressure and high levels of protein in their urine which are indicative of probable kidney damage.
How a great smile affects your mental and emotional health.
Besides being an indication of your physical fitness, your oral health also plays a key role in your emotional, mental, and social well-being. People who have nice teeth have the confidence to show their pearly whites, making them more appealing and approachable in the eyes of many. As a result, it’s easier for them to make connections and bond with people, which helps improve the overall quality of their lives. They’re secure with themselves and confident, unlike people who have dental problems who tend to shy away because of their oral issues—be it bad breath or missing teeth. Plus, people who have great teeth and gums live without difficulty in speaking or chewing. Those are great reasons to take care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly!