If your general dentist in Tremont, IL, suggested that you return after six months, you best believe it’s for your own good. You may not realize it, but your oral health can significantly impact the rest of your body. Even if you work out and watch your diet, you could still get sick if you don’t pay attention to your oral health. Science and research prove a strong connection between oral health and overall health.
How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
What Is the Connection Between Your Mouth and the Rest of Your Body?
If you think a toilet bowl is dirty, wait until you learn how dirty your mouth is. Research shows that your mouth has more germs than a toilet seat. Toilet seats have about 3,200 bacteria for every square inch, while your saliva has 100 microbes of bacteria per milliliter.
Since your mouth is teeming with bacteria, you must practice good oral health care daily because if bacteria aren’t controlled, they might reach a level that will predispose you to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral infections.
What Conditions Are Linked to Your Oral Health?
Poor oral health can put you at risk of the following medical conditions:
- Endocarditis – It is a condition where the inner linings of your heart chambers or valves are infected. Usually, it occurs when bacteria from other body parts, like your mouth, enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart.
- Cardiovascular Disease – While the connection is not fully understood, research suggests that heart disease, blocked arteries, and stroke could be associated with inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria.
- Pregnancy and birth complications – Scientific evidence shows gum disease has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth.
- Pneumonia – Oral bacteria can make their way into your lungs and lead to respiratory problems like pneumonia.
Similarly, certain medical conditions can also affect your oral health, such as the following:
- Diabetes – Gum disease is more likely to occur in people with diabetes since they have a low resistance to infection. Surveys reveal that gum disease is more frequent among people with diabetes.
- Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis affects all races regardless of gender. It’s a disease that gradually weakens and destroys bone tissues. Studies have found a link between osteoporosis and periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Patients with Alzheimer’s experience deteriorating oral health as the disease progresses.
Do You Have Poor Oral Hygiene?
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth as often as you should, then yes, you have poor oral hygiene. Other signs of poor oral hygiene are the following:
- Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Receding gums
- Tooth pain
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dry mouth
How Can I Protect My Oral Health?
You can protect yourself from avoidable medication conditions if you brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Flossing is just as important as brushing since it removes food debris, plaque, and bacteria stuck between your teeth. It’s also crucial that you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Looking for a General Dentist in Tremont, IL?
Take charge of your overall health by ensuring you practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist bi-annually. At Smalltown Dental, we aim to make you feel relaxed while receiving the dental care you need. Our team has years of experience to provide you with the best care. Contact us for a consultation.
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