How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health Federal Way, WA
As oral health has a profound impact on our physical health, proper oral hygiene may improve overall health. Heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and other conditions are often influenced by the health of a person's teeth and gums. The oral health connection to overall health and well-being is another reason why it is important to seek dental care.
Looking at dental care as a crucial component of overall health can promote healthier habits as well. A dentist is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. If you have oral health issues and wonder how your dental health impacts your overall health status, call us at (253) 336-0023 to schedule an appointment today.
The Oral Health Connection
According to WebMD, the mouth acts as an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. It is a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Most of these are harmless and can be kept under control with proper oral health care and the body's natural defenses. However, without appropriate maintenance, disease-causing bacteria may accumulate over time.
Dental Health and Heart Health
It has been a long-established fact that there is a relationship between gum disease and heart disease. However, experts have yet to determine whether or not this is a causal relationship. In any case, existing research suggests that clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke are associated with the inflammation and infections usually accompanied by dental bacteria.
Dental Health and Diabetes
Dental health and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship, meaning they both affect each other directly. Diabetes reduces the body's ability to resist infection, making patients more at risk of developing gum disease. At the same time, those with gum disease tend to have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.
“According to WebMD, the mouth acts as an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. It is a natural breeding ground for bacteria.”
Risk Factors for Poor Oral Health
Certain conditions may make a patient more susceptible to poor oral health — and, in turn, poor overall health. Some of the two most noticeable are pregnancy and osteoporosis. For both conditions, taking preventative measures is key. Making regular visits to a complete health dentistry doctor can catch problems before they happen.
Dental Health and Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at significantly higher risk for periodontal disease and cavities. These phenomena can occur due to changes in behavior, hormone levels, and diet. Furthermore, certain dental health issues may lead to pregnancy complications, such as premature birth.
Dental Health and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become less dense and more brittle. It can affect any bone in the body, and research suggests an existing relationship between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Once the jawbone loses enough density, it is not uncommon for tooth loss to occur.
“Certain conditions may make a patient more susceptible to poor oral health — and, in turn, poor overall health.”
The Impact of Oral Health on Bone Health
People who have osteoporosis may take prescription medications that damage the jawbone. This complication, though rare, can eventually lead to tooth loss and jaw deterioration. When taking osteoporosis prescriptions, individuals should have a bone loss screening.
Gum disease is one of the first indicators of osteoporosis due to its effect on bone health and density. Dentists can prevent the development of the disease when a patient is diagnosed with gum disease. Patients with gum disease or osteoporosis can take proactive measures and reduce their risk of tooth decay or tooth loss by treating these conditions early on.
“Accordingly, neglecting to maintain one’s oral hygiene will inevitably negatively affect one’s overall health (and vice versa).”
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Dental Health and Other Conditions
Aside from heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and osteoporosis, there are many other conditions linked to dental health. These include but are not limited to pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjorgen's syndrome. Patients need to be as open and honest as possible with their complete health dentistry doctor, as certain conditions or even recent bouts of illness may affect the type of dental care they need.
In at least one study, poor oral hygiene was one of the leading risk factors for pneumonia in nursing home residents. Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are both linked to severe inflammation. This may make patients more susceptible to Sjorgen's syndrome, which causes dryness of the mouth that causes difficulty eating and raises a patient's risk for tooth decay.
“Aside from heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and osteoporosis, there are many other conditions linked to dental health.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does dental health affect the rest of the body?
Q. How do pregnancy and osteoporosis put oral health at risk?
Q. How can oral health impact bone health?
People Also Ask
Q. What are some of the common dental conditions that occur during pregnancy?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home
Nothing can replace the expertise of a complete health dentistry doctor. Keeping regular appointments is crucial to maintaining oral health, especially since each patient requires personalized care. Luckily, there are many things patients can do on their own to take care of their teeth.
Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before bedtime. Germs and plaque accumulate throughout the day and should be removed whenever possible. It is essential to use proper technique while brushing and to remember to include the tongue. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also offer extra protection against tooth decay.
Flossing should be treated with the same importance as brushing, as it can help stimulate the gums while reducing plaque and inflammation. Those who have trouble using dental floss may want to look for alternatives, such as ready-to-use flossers. Swishing with a good quality mouthwash afterward also helps, as does drinking water, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugary and acidic foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the signs of oral health problems?
A. People should see a dentist if they experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity in the mouth or gums. Chronic bad breath can also signify tooth decay. In severe cases, the person may have loose or missing teeth.
Q. Who is at risk of diseases that result from the oral health connection?
A. People who smoke seem to be at the highest risk for oral health issues and other health problems. Those who have one or more chronic conditions are more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease than healthy individuals. Adults ages 55 and older also have an increased risk for dental health issues and systemic concerns.
Q. What conditions have been linked to poor oral health?
A. Many people are surprised to learn how many conditions are linked to poor oral health. Diabetes, pulmonary, and cardiac disease are all linked to oral health conditions. Periodontal disease is also a complication of osteoporosis. There are even studies that show a link between oral health and Alzheimer's and dementia.
Q. How should I prepare for a visit with a dentist?
A. Patients should prepare for their first appointment by attaining their medical records or providing access to them. Write down any questions about oral health and how it may affect overall health. The dentist will ask for the patient's symptoms, medical history, medication use, habits, nutrition profile, and other information that can influence dental and systemic health, so have these details ready.
Q. Why is dental care important to overall health?
A. Many oral health conditions and systemic diseases do not produce symptoms until advanced stages. Screening by a professional can help treat any existing conditions or prevent future problems from happening. Having regular dental visits also gives the patient access to treatment that can keep health problems from worsening.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Our team at Smile Center Dental Care may be able to help. Call us today at 253-336-0023 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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