With healthier food options at fast-food restaurants and more gym memberships than ever before, people are taking their health more seriously now. However, one mistake many people make is that they don’t pay enough attention to their oral health. Like your physical and mental health, oral health also plays an important role in your overall health.
Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your current overall health? If you neglect your oral health, it can affect the rest of your body and can cause serious health problems. It is important that you start putting importance on your oral health and learn the connection between your oral health and overall health.
The Connection Between Your Oral Health and Overall health
If you didn’t know it yet, your mouth is a haven for bacteria. When you promote healthy dental care and routines such as brushing and flossing, you can keep the levels of bacteria at a healthy level. However, when you don’t have proper oral care, bad bacteria can multiply at an alarming rate and can combine with sugar in food to make acids. These acids can cause a series of tooth problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases. This condition can lead to infections that can spread throughout the body.
What are the health problems that are associated with it?
- Endocarditis. The inner lining of your heart chambers or valves is infected and it is due to bacteria from other parts of your body that can spread through the bloodstream.
- Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that clogged arteries and strokes can be linked to inflammation from oral bacteria.
- Affects Pregnancy. Did you know that periodontitis is a condition that increases the risk of premature birth in pregnant women? It is important for pregnant women to maintain good dental health to ensure their babies are safe and healthy.
- Pneumonia. Some bacteria from your mouth can spread to your lungs which can cause pneumonia. Older people should be more careful as pneumonia can be life-threatening for people with old age.
Poor oral health can also be linked to certain diseases such as diabetes, HIV, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Your mouth is important as it is the gateway to the rest of your body. It can greatly impact your overall health. Maintain good dental health and lower your risk of developing other health conditions which may be life-threatening.