Oral health is important for overall health and good quality of life.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines oral health as the absence of chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, birth deformities such as cleft lip and palate, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders impacting the oral cavity.
Good oral health is a reflection of an attractive and functional dentition that allows individuals to continue to play their chosen social and functional roles. Poor dental health results in altered oro-facial structure and functions, compromising an individual's social well-being.
How is overall health linked with your oral health ?
Do you know that there is a link between your oral health and your overall health, and that the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can have a significant impact on the rest of your body?
The most crucial component that connects your oral health to your overall health is that your mouth is the gateway to the inside of your body. Because your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tracts, germs can build up to the point where they cause oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease (Periodontitis) if you don't practise good oral hygiene.
According to certain research, oral bacteria and inflammation, which are connected to the severity of gum disease, i.e. periodontitis, play a role in several disorders. Furthermore, certain disorders, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes, can reduce the body's resistance to infection, exacerbating the severity of oral health problems.
However, the body's natural defences and a regular dental health care routine, such as brushing twice daily and flossing, can keep bacteria at bay. A proper dental health care routine can help protect your overall health and can be considered the primary general health care routine.
Health conditions linked to Poor Oral Health
Since now we understand the relationship between the oral care and the overall health care, lets see what health risks are we exposed with if the excessive bacteria buildup is transported to the body :-
- Pneumonia : This potentially fatal disorder is sometimes linked to your mouth, when germs in your mouth are drawn into your lungs, producing Pneumonia and other respiratory problems.
- Cardiovascular diseases : According to some studies, mouth bacteria create inflammation and infections, which can lead to heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.
- Endocarditis : It is caused by a heart infection. It is distinguished by infected heart chamber linings. This occurs when an infection spreads from multiple regions of the body to the heart valves. This bacterium can enter your body through your mouth and migrate to various areas of your heart.
There are certain conditions that can affect your oral health, including :
- Diabetes : Diabetes puts your gums at risk by reducing the body’s resistance to infection. People who have diabetes are more prone to gum diseases. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
- HIV/AIDS : Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoporosis : This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
- Alzheimer's disease : Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer's disease progresses.
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome).
How to take care of your oral health ?
- Brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush for at least 2 minutes, twice daylee.
- Floss regularly · Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing
- Take a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks intake.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.
- Regular 6 monthly dental checkups
Conclusion:
In the end ,it's fair to say that good oral health positively affects your body. If you are determined to keep your oral care routine at the priority, your overall quality of life increases, boosting your confidence daily with clean, white and healthy teeth. Apart from this proper oral care will impact your overall wellbeing.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
https://backbayfamilydentistry.com/blog/impact-of-oral-health-care-in-everyday-life/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254460/
https://www.nhp.gov.in/national-oral-health-programme_pg
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/oral-health-affects-wellness