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Many people think of their oral health as something that is isolated from their overall wellness. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, what happens in your mouth can have a large impact on your body from head to toe. Let’s talk more about this fascinating connection. Gum Disease and Systemic Health Conditions Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions; it afflicts roughly half of the adults in the U.S. That fact is troubling because there is a large body of research indicating an association between gum disease and a slew of overall health conditions, including: • Heart attack and stroke • Diabetes • Preterm birth • Dementia • Decreased resistance to viral infections The link between gum disease and other health problems may boil down to inflammation. Gum disease increases the body’s overall burden of inflammation, which in turn can compromise the body’s ability to function properly. Bacteria from gum disease can also sneak into the bloodstream and affect other systems. For example, a type of bacteria that commonly affects the gums has been found in the brains of individuals who suffered from cognitive decline. Other Ways Oral Health Affects Overall Health Here are a few additional ways in which your oral health can impact your overall wellness: • Nutrition. Damaged, decayed, or missing teeth can make it difficult to eat a balanced diet rich in all the nutrients that the human body requires to thrive. One study from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Dentistry even found that dentures do not correct this problem. People with prosthetic teeth were found to experience a decline in nutritional markers within the first two years after beginning to use their dentures. • Quality of life. Severe, noticeable dental problems can make individuals feel self-conscious. It may even adversely affect their social life and contribute to significant emotional distress. It is even possible that broken, decayed, or severely discolored teeth can affect the way others perceive you and have a negative impact on your career. • Longevity. A meta-analysis confirmed a positive relationship between tooth loss and an increased susceptibility to all-cause mortality. What You Can Do Fortunately, taking steps to improve your overall health — and thereby protect your overall health — is not complicated or difficult. Here are some practical tips: • Visit a dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. If they make any recommendations for further treatment, such as gum disease therapy, be sure to follow up promptly. • Pay attention to oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and try to floss once a day. • Be mindful of what you eat. Try to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages. Instead, make efforts to consume foods that are rich in nutrients that support oral health, such as calcium and vitamin C. • Monitor your oral health. Even subtle signs of oral health problems merit a visit to a professional. For example, minor tooth pain, bleeding gums, and discomfort while chewing should all be checked out. Your mouth is a small part of your body, but it is hugely important when it comes to your overall health. Taking good care of your smile is a worthwhile endeavor! Meet the Authors Drs. Greg Riley and Duane Keuning of Juno Beach Smiles have many years of combined experience in helping members of their community to enjoy improved oral health. They enjoy educating patients in order to empower them to make good decisions about how to care for their teeth and gums. To learn more about them and their practice, call 561-622-7243.
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