Overall health and wellbeing is significantly impacted by Oral Health. Failure to maintain healthy oral hygiene can pave the way for a number of medical issues, illnesses, and problems.
Some ways that oral health problems may affect your overall health and wellbeing include:
Gum Disease
It does not come as a surprise that your mouth is loaded with bacteria, some good and some bad. Daily brushing and flossing keeps the less-healthy bacteria at bay. If you fail to maintain dental hygiene, bacteria could morph into oral infections, gum disease, and decay.
Dry Mouth
Certain medications like painkillers, antidepressants, diuretics, and allergy medications can lower the production of saliva and cause dry mouth, which contributes to poor oral health. A dry mouth is the perfect setting for bacteria to grow, which can lead to illness or disease.
Infection
Periodontitis or gum disease lowers your resistance to infection, making you more susceptible to conditions like HIV/AIDS. Since you are more vulnerable to oral health infections, you are also more likely to contract painful lesions when living with HIV or AIDS.
Disease
When you have an oral infection, like gum disease, you open yourself up to a range of issues with all your bodily organs. You see, infection spreads and can cause problems throughout your bodily systems, including body heat, your brain, and blood sugar levels. It is not uncommon for individuals with poor oral health to contract heart disease, endocarditis, strokes, or diabetes.
Osteoporosis
If you suffer tooth or bone loss due to periodontal disease, you are more at-risk for Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes your bones to become weak and brittle. The drugs used to treat this condition increase risks of detriment to your jaw bone, further exacerbating oral health problems.
Dementia
There is a link between poor oral care and dementia. For example, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may exhibit signs of worsening dental hygiene and oral health care, particularly as their dementia symptoms increase over time.
Premature Birth
Gum disease and tooth decay also play a role in pregnancy and birth weight. Periodontitis, known as periodontal disease from tooth decay, is connected to low birth weight in infants and premature births; talk to your medical provider to learn more.
It is recommended that you see a dental provider at least once per year for a routine examination and cleaning, as part of a holistic preventative health care regimen. Make sure that you keep your dentist informed about any medications that you take, as well as your medical history to avoid complications or health risks.
Looking for a dentist in Mt Pleasant, SC? Contact us to schedule your appointment and to learn more about how oral health plays a role in overall health and wellbeing.
