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 Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. If you have oral health issues and wonder how your dental health impacts your overall health status, call us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment today.
The general health and oral health connection
Heart health
According to Mayo Clinic, there is a correlation between dental health and cardiovascular issues such as stroke, clogged arteries, and heart disease. Endocarditis sometimes results from the spread of bacteria to the heart from other parts of the body, including the oral cavity. When this occurs, the inner lining of the heart becomes infected. In 2018 research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, scientists studied more than a million individuals who experienced cardiac episodes. They found a moderate association between tooth loss and heart disease, which was more pronounced among individuals who also smoked.
Other common diseases
Pneumonia sometimes results when dental infections spread to the lungs. People who have gum disease and tooth decay may also experience a higher occurrence of respiratory issues. Alzheimer's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, some types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders, and HIV infection are also associated with poor dental health outcomes.
“There is a correlation between dental health and cardiovascular issues such as stroke, clogged arteries, and heart disease”
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 dentist can catch oral health problems in their earliest stages or even prevent them.
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, including 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 help prevent the development of gum disease in patients with osteoporosis through various oral health services, like more frequent teeth cleanings. If gum disease is already present, they can provide treatments to halt its progression. This is a proactive way to reduce the patient’s risk of advanced gum disease and tooth loss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Preventing systemic disease related to oral health
When tooth decay and gum disease develop, the body's immune response causes inflammation, which results in symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. Ongoing dental inflammation may cause an increased immune response throughout the person's biological systems.
In addition, bacteria that gather in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic infection. Systemic infection refers to an infection that spreads throughout the body systems, which can pose greater risks for other health conditions or worsen existing conditions. For these reasons, good dental hygiene is the first line of defense against cavities and periodontal disease that may lead to further health problems.
“Good dental hygiene is the first line of defense against cavities and periodontal disease that may lead to further health problems.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. How do pregnancy and osteoporosis put oral health at risk?
Q. How is the heart affected by oral health?
Q. How can oral health impact bone health?
Q. How can proper oral care prevent systemic disease?
Q. How do I reduce or eliminate the risk of other diseases or infections?
People also ask
Q. What should a home oral care routine include?
Q. What are some dental health conditions that can form during pregnancy?
Habits and techniques to improve oral health
Individuals who have or are concerned about chronic conditions should take these preventive steps:
- Avoid smoking and other forms of tobacco
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush after every meal
- Buy a new toothbrush every three months
- Eat a well-balanced diet with limited sugar
- Floss teeth every day
- Schedule bi-yearly cleanings and checkups with a dentist
“Schedule bi-yearly cleanings and checkups with a dentist.”
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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. Regular dental visits also provide patients with access to treatments that can help prevent oral health problems from worsening.
Dental terminology
Bacteria are a large and diverse group of single-celled microorganisms, including some varieties that can cause diseases.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.
Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that affects how the body produces or responds to the hormone insulin and causes high blood sugar.
Heart disease includes a wide range of cardiovascular issues such as diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots.
Inflammation is the redness, swelling, and pain that is a part of the body’s natural response to protect itself from infection, toxins, or injury.
Oral hygiene is the practice of maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth, teeth, and gums through brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments.
Periodontal disease is a serious inflammation of the gingival tissues and the periodontal membrane of the teeth that causes pain and helps form deeper gingival sulcus.
Call us today
Our team at Oak Tree Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 858-748-2101 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.