Can your oral health affect your overall health? Yes! Keeping your teeth healthy is more important than you might think. Our bodies are made up of interconnected systems.
Like other areas of the body, your mouth teems with bacteria — mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease. Reducing harmful bacteria by keeping your teeth aligned and therefore easier to keep clean and to floss is an important means to prevent some of these dangerous conditions:
Heart disease
The bacteria from inflammation of the gum disease can enter your bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart leading to:
When plaque develops on and thickens your arteries' inner walls, your blood flow is decreased through the body, leading to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
The inner lining of the heart (endocardium) can also become infected and inflamed.
Dementia
Gingivitis bacteria can enter your brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream, possibly leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Respiratory infections
Inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums over a long period could lead to infections in the lungs, as well as pneumonia.
Diabetic complications
Periodontal disease can make your blood sugar difficult to control and make your diabetes worse. People with diabetes are also prone to periodontal disease. It's a vicious cycle.
Rheumatoid arthritis
The more tooth loss due to gum disease, the higher the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Three things you can do to prevent these issues:
Straighten your teeth.
By straightening your teeth you will improve the blood flow within your periodontal tissues, which means healthier gums, healthier teeth, and fewer places for bacteria to accumulate!
Establish Good Hygiene Habits
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing and antibacterial mouth rinse daily. If you're already having issues with your gum health, choose a toothpaste to battle gum disease directly and call your general dentist right away.
Dental checkups
Get in to see your dentist at least twice a year. They can give you a high-powered cleaning, help keep your gums healthy, and answer any oral health questions you may have.
Take care of your overall health by caring for your oral health!
Sources: mayoclinic.org, colgate.com