Your mouth acts as the gateway to your body. Your mouth is the only natural way for you to intake nutrition. Because of this, what happens in your mouth will have an overall impact on what takes place in your body. Many of the effects of poor oral health can lead to serious health issues.
Why Is There A Connection?
It is natural for bacteria to form on your teeth. This is the way your body defends itself from diseases when you consume food or liquids. However, bad bacteria can also form in your mouth from poor oral health and gum disease. When this happens, the immune system begins to work hard to fight the bacteria in your mouth, decreasing its effects on other areas of the body.
The bad bacteria will also cause inflammation in your mouth and throat. Inflammation has been directly connected to the onset of many other diseases. This inflammation, over time, can also lead to severe tooth and gum sensitivity, gum disease and tooth loss.
The Connection Between Oral Inflammation And Diabetes
Doctors have recently discovered that oral health issues often lead to the onset of Type II diabetes. Continual inflammation in the mouth decreases the body’s ability to process insulin. Why this occurs is still being researched, but there is a distinct connection between gum disease and insulin resistance and Type II diabetes. Treating gum disease can improve your chances of delaying or avoiding the onset of Type II diabetes.
Inflammation And Heart Disease
There have been many studies conducted that show that inflammation in the body is a leading factor in the onset of heart disease. The chemicals that the inflammation releases directly impact the heart and cause it to become sickly. Over time, this continual damage to the heart can lead to heart failure. Continual inflammation of the gums due to periodontal disease can lead to heart problems. The inflammation that is occurring in the mouth is just as serious as anywhere else in the body.
Gum Disease And Certain Cancers
Gum disease is often associated with some cancers of the mouth and throat areas. This is due, in large, to the use of some tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco and cigarettes can damage teeth and gums leading to gum disease. They can also cause cancers to form in this area when they may not have formed under any other conditions. It is very important to understand how necessary it is to stop using these products and receive prompt oral care to ensure that you stop any damage that may have occurred and get early treatment for any diseases that may have started.
Oral Health And Gastrointestinal Issues
People who suffer from different types of gastrointestinal issues should also be very diligent about their oral health. Issues like GERD and ulcers can lead to damage to the teeth and gums. The acids that are associated with these disorders often enter into the mouth and attack the teeth and gums, especially in the back of the mouth. Failure to treat these issues can lead to gum disease and tooth decay and other health issues. Additionally, if you do not have these types of gastrointestinal problems, you could develop these problems if you do not have proper oral care.
Gum Disease And Pregnancy
The hormonal changes that women go through during pregnancy often impact their oral health. Gums have a tendency to swell during pregnancy and this can leave them tender and susceptible to disease. Bacteria responses are also heightened during this time, leaving the woman’s immune system compromised. Women who suffer from oral diseases during pregnancy have been shown to be at higher risk for delivering their babies early and at lower birth weights. Proper oral care is a necessity during pregnancy to help with the health of your baby.
Mothers Oral Health And Their Children
There has been a direct connection between the oral health of the mother during and after pregnancy and the oral health of her children. Mothers who have poor oral health during and after pregnancy have been shown to have children that have more cavities. It is the belief of many doctors that the immune system of the mother may be compromised during pregnancy due to the inflammation associated with oral disease and this impacts the oral development of the baby. Be sure you’re going to the dentist when you’re pregnant to help avoid these issues.
Immune Disorders
People who suffer from different immune disorders, such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to oral health issues. This is believed to be a result of a compromised immune system and the mouth’s inability to fight off bad bacteria. If you suffer from any of these autoimmune disorders, you are encouraged to take extra precautions with your oral care to ensure that you do not develop any oral diseases.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that impacts the bones. Bones become more brittle and can easily break when osteoporosis sets in. People who suffer from this disease must remember that their teeth and their jaws are some of the thickest bones in their bodies and can be greatly affected by this disease. Those who suffer from osteoporosis should seek treatment and take extra precautions with their oral health.
These are the main health issues that can be affected by your oral health. Of course, there are other conditions that also may be impacted by bad teeth and gums. Your dentist can evaluate your oral health during your regular checkup and recommend any further medical testing if they believe that other diseases may have begun. Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly and try these supplements to boost your dental health.
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