How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
Everyone knows the benefits of caring for your teeth and gums: a brighter smile, fresh breath, and healthy gums. What you may not know is that your dental hygiene (or lack thereof) can impact other aspects of your health. In this blog, we explore the effect your oral health has on your overall health, including conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, and pregnancy.
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Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes and oral health influence each other in a sort of “cause and effect” relationship. Poor oral health can increase your risk of diabetes, and diabetes can increase your risk for oral health problems. For people who haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes, poor oral hygiene and, more specifically, gum disease can actually put you at a higher likelihood of developing diabetes.
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream via infected gum tissue. The bacteria prompts your immune system to release molecules that raise your blood sugar. Consistently high blood sugar levels cause insulin imbalances and, eventually, diabetes.
People with uncontrolled diabetes are often at higher risk for developing gum disease and cavities. Side effects of diabetes, like dry mouth and higher glucose content in your saliva, can contribute to increased bacteria, leading to other dental problems.
Heart Disease and Oral Health
Maintaining oral health is especially important for people who are already candidates for cardiovascular issues. But even if you’re perfectly healthy, developing gum disease can put you at risk for life-threatening complications.
When oral bacteria enter your bloodstream, they can travel to your heart and cause endocarditis (infection in the lining of the heart). Bacteria in your bloodstream inflames your arteries, leading to a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the walls and increasing your risk of a heart attack. Cholesterol buildup narrows your arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow and putting you in danger of blood clots that may lead to a stroke. Additionally, the plaque itself can break off and clog the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Respiratory Infections and Oral Health
The above health concerns result from oral bacteria traveling through your bloodstream, which can also be the case for respiratory infections due to gum disease. However, lung problems caused by poor oral hygiene can also start when the bacteria from infected tissues are breathed into your lungs.
Blood-borne bacteria increase inflammation in your entire body (including the lungs), which can make chronic conditions like asthma and COPD worse. And while your body can usually fight off inhaled bacteria, if your lungs are weak, your immune system is compromised, or your body is busy trying to fight off a gum infection, you may end up with pneumonia.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
During pregnancy, your body goes through what seems like new changes every day. You’re focused on growing a healthy baby, but you also shouldn’t lose sight of caring for your teeth and gums.
Pregnancy gingivitis, characterized by inflamed, bleeding gums, is a condition caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Brushing and flossing diligently and seeing your dentist for checkups can help prevent gingivitis from becoming a more serious periodontal disease. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which studies show is linked to pre-term delivery and low birth weight.
As if morning sickness wasn’t bad enough, it can also impact your oral health. Stomach acid from vomiting can weaken the enamel of your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities.
Dental Care Options in Schaumburg and Norridge
Now that you know caring for your teeth and gums is more than just keeping them beautiful and functional (both of which are extremely important!), it’s time to schedule a dental checkup with the experienced dentists at Royal Dental Care. Whether you need a regular cleaning or periodontal care, or you’re concerned about cost or insurance coverage, we can help. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (773) 232-3929 (Norridge) or (847) 999-7620 (Schaumburg) or complete the online contact form.