Your Mouth And How It Reflects Health And Disease In Your Body. By Robyn & Alarna from Torque Orthodontics
Links between Oral Health and Your Body
Regular dental check-ups are becoming even more important to reduce the risk of other life threatening diseases as it’s no secret that your oral health effects your overall health (and vice versa).
The connection has always been known however due to increasing research, these links are even deeper than once believed. Some experts have even referred to the mouth as a “mirror” of health and disease in the body. Oral Hygiene cannot be considered as isolated from the rest of the body; Epidemiological studies indicate that oral hygiene is associated with physical, mental and social well-being.
Mouths are naturally full of bacteria; some are good and others cause disease. Maintaining the balance between “the good bacteria” and the “bad bacteria” is the key to good health outcomes. Tooth decay and gum disease can tip the balance that finds these bacteria travelling to other parts of our bodies; this contributes to other chronic diseases.
Mouth body links have led to two major theories:
Gum disease is an almost totally preventable disease but it affects over half of the population in varying degrees. The body’s immune system is quick to respond to this disease by releasing enzymes and chemicals. This response over time can lead to the breakdown and loss of the gum and supporting bone and researchers have also indicated that there are many other chemicals that are produced at the time. These chemicals can lead to more major health issues and can even contribute to heart disease.
Bacteria found in the mouth can travel to other parts of the body causing infections. Bacteria associated with gum disease and dental decay have been found to travel to organs such as the heart, gut, liver and cultures taken have even found these bacteria in the lungs.
The Benefits of Good Oral Health
Diabetes: Due to the lack of insulin in the body, sugars can’t be metabolised effectively therefore leading to diabetes. Inflammation caused by bacteria in the mouth interferes with the function of insulin in your body. Keeping diabetes under control becomes harder with the exacerbation of these factors. A vicious cycle can rapidly occur if both are not kept under control, keeping both under control leads to benefits all around.
Heart Disease:
Just over 90% of people with heart disease also have gum disease. Periodontitis (Gum disease) is an advanced form of gingivitis and has an irreversible effect on the gum and surrounding bone and tissues in the mouth. The continuing inflammation found in uncontrolled gum diseases can increase risk of heart attack or stroke.
Pregnancy
Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy the risk of gum disease can be higher and it has been identified that around half of mothers-to-be can show signs of gum inflammation.
There is a small association between low birthweights and premature birth and gum inflammation. Don’t delay a dental check-up because of your pregnancy.
What can we do?
Visit your dentist regularly, at least every 12 months: Cavities, gum disease and any other issues identified by your Dentist or Dental Professional should be treated in a timely manner.
Brush and Floss: Brush teeth twice daily using a soft bristled toothbrush and floss at least once per day.
Professional cleaning: Have a professional clean every 6 months to identify any problem areas
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet benefits oral health as well as general health and well-being. A diet high in sugary foods can increase the risk of tooth decay. Soft drinks and sport drinks can contain high amounts of hidden sugar and acids. Water is an excellent substitute for these and should be part of everyone’s daily consumption.
Quit smoking: Smoking affects your oral health just as it is detrimental to your general health. Smoking cessation is something that is difficult to achieve however the positives definitely outweigh the negatives not just health wise but also social and financial benefits as well.
Take Control of Your Oral Health: Nearly all oral health diseases are preventable so the small steps everyone can take daily will have long term health benefits.
For more information, check out our references below.
By Robyn and Alarna
Torque Orthodontics
P: 07 49514100
E: info@torqueortho.com.au
References:
Batchelor, Caitlin. “The Link between Oral Health and Overall Health.” Caitlin Batchelor Dentistry, June 20, 2016, https://www.batchelor-dentistry.com/blog/link-between-oral-health-overall-health.
Dental Health Services Victoria. (2011) Links between oral health and general health the case for action [PDF file]. Retrieved from: https://www.dhsv.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/2515/links-between-oral-health-and-general-health-the-case-for-action.pd