Good oral health = good general health
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Recent research reveals a strong relationship between oral health and general health. Good oral hygiene—controlling plaque and preventing oral diseases—is an essential part of maintaining good overall health.
Put simply, keeping your mouth happy and healthy will help to keep your whole body smiling.
Relationships between high plaque levels/oral diseases and other health disorders
- People with moderate to severe gum disease are at higher risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Damage caused by the immune system and chronic inflammation are central to both diseases.
- Chronic periodontal disease is a risk for people with diabetes, as it can worsen blood glucose control. And diabetics are prone to gum disease, due to reduced saliva levels.
- Chronic periodontal disease is a risk for people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can result in decreased jawbone density and tooth loss. Damage from gum disease further aggravates the problem.
- Chronic periodontal disease is a risk during pregnancy, being linked with pre-term, low-weight births.
- Oral bacteria can be aspirated into the lungs and cause diseases such as pneumonia, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly.
- Oral bacteria can be swallowed into the stomach, increasing the risk of H. Pylori stomach ulcers. Dental plaque under the gums is a reservoir for H. Pylori bacteria, which may resurface after treatment for stomach ulcers.
- Oral diseases can make chewing difficult, which may lead to changes in the diet and malnutrition.
- Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through bleeding sites in the mouth. This is a risk to the heart and circulatory system, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Stay healthy and keep smiling!
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