When we refer to a healthy oral cavity, we do not limit ourselves only to having healthy teeth, but to all the anatomical structures of the mouth: gums, bones, ligaments, muscles, glands or nerves.
Otherwise, unhealthy teeth can have a major impact on the overall health of the body, quality of life and, last but not least, higher financial costs, if the teeth are not prevented or resolved from the moment they appear.
What is the connection is between oral health and that of the whole body
According to a report by Healthy People 2020oral health is one of the top 10 indicators of health, along with other indicators such as access to health, nutrition, cancer, HIV and heart disease.
Proper oral health not only plays a functional role (such as speaking, smiling, smelling or chewing), but also plays an extremely important role in communication, interpersonal relationships and financial prosperity.
In contrast, poor dental health can have serious consequences, such as painful, disabling, and costly conditions. This is especially true for low-income people in rural areas with limited access to quality health care.
According to a study conducted in the United States, one in 5 adults states that their teeth are in a precarious condition, and one in 3 people have difficulty finding a job due to the unsightly appearance of their teeth.
How to take care of your dental health
There are several factors that influence our oral health, such as nutrition and oral hygiene. For example, tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood, but it can be easily prevented by healthy eating habits and good oral hygiene.
Otherwise, if we do not follow these minimum healthy habits, ie brushing daily, morning and evening, for at least 2 minutes and avoiding the consumption of foods and beverages rich in sugar and acids, the plaque will accumulate in excess on the teeth, this is an environment conducive to the development of cavities, gingivitis or other chronic gum disease.
All this can endanger the health of the teeth and gums, including the health of the whole body.
Although there are currently innovative ways to treat cavities with a laser caries treatment, prevention has always been the best solution. If you are experiencing a lack of teeth, you have probably read almost all about the dental implant. Experts say that it is the only treatment solution that replaces one or more missing teeth and that almost completely restores the functionality and aesthetics of the smile.
What diseases can be caused by poor health
The condition of the teeth, gums and tongue is vital when it comes to the health of the entire oral cavity. However, if we look at the anatomy of the entire oral cavity, you should know that the health of the gums has the greatest impact on the health of the whole body.
Here are some examples of diseases that are closely related to gum health:
- Heart diseases – Bacteria from inflammation of the gums can enter the bloodstream and reach the arteries of the heart, leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis and endocarditis;
- Dementia – bacteria caused by gingivitis can enter the brain through the nerve channels or bloodstream, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease;
- Respiratory infections – inhalation of bacteria produced by infected teeth and gums for a long time can eventually lead to lung infections as well as pneumonia.
What diseases can affect oral health
It has been observed that in some cases, the presence of certain chronic diseases increases the risk of gum disease and vice versa. This is basically a vicious circle.
Although it is not yet fully understood whether there is a clear link between chronic and gum disease, it has been found that some diseases can affect your oral health:
- Diabetes – because the disease makes the body more vulnerable to infections, gingivitis seems to be more common and more severe among people diagnosed with diabetes. Studies also show that patients with gum disease (for example, gingivitis or periodontal disease) find it harder to control their blood sugar;
- HIV / SIDA – oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are more common among people diagnosed with HIV / AIDS;
- Osteoporosis – It has been found that patients diagnosed with osteoporosis are 86% more likely to develop periodontal disease which, over time, leads to tooth loss;
- Alzheimer’s disease – In the case of people suffering from this disease, there has been a deterioration in oral health as Alzheimer’s disease has progressed.
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