It is self-understood that your oral health is for the sake of your teeth, but do you know that good oral health is also a part of a healthy brain, body, and heart?
An infection in the mouth, as evident by research, can contribute to developing cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy-related issues. Before this research, the professionals suspected a connection between oral diseases and various medical conditions. However, they believed that this is due to the spread of bacteria from the mouth to the other parts of the body.
But the recent research findings conclude that periodontal or gum diseases may induce certain specific conditions.
In this article, we get into the detail of this topic and try to clear the doubts and myths associated with it. So, read on to understand the connection between oral health and overall health.
Here’s how poor oral health affects overall health
Heart disease- Infection in the gums can cause heart diseases. For instance, research has revealed that chronic periodontitis, which causes infection in the gums, is also often the reason underlying coronary heart disease. In fact, a research study revealed that people suffering from gum disease are twice as likely to get various heart diseases than a normal person.
Stroke. People who have missing teeth are more likely to suffer from stroke. This is because periodontitis plaques make a person susceptible to strokes and even heart attack.
Diabetes. According to researchers, periodontal disease negatively affects a person’s metabolism leveling up Blood glucose higher than the normal, development of pre-diabetes.
Pregnancy complications. A recent study has revealed that periodontal disease increases a pregnant woman’s chances of delivering a pre-term baby or a baby with low birth weight. Therefore, pregnant women with gum diseases must regularly meet their periodontist and get regular checkups done.
Kidney disease. Poor oral health is also one of the underlying causes of kidney failure or heart disease.
Periodontologists have detected increased chronic kidney diseases in toothless adults.
Mental health problems. Evidence-based studies find a strong connection between gum diseases and mental health problems, such as anxiety and distress, and depression. These mental health conditions prompt the production of cortisol hormone which in turn can exacerbate periodontal diseases.
Alzheimer’s disease. This dementia-inducing brain condition today affects more than five million Americans. Researchers have found that periodontal inflammation in life’s early stages can quadruple the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This nascent research, if true, can help prevent Alzheimer’s to a large extent.
Final Word
Other than revealing the connection between oral health and these diseases, researchers are continually trying to understand and establish the connection between gum diseases and various health conditions, such as obesity, steroid abuse, menstrual problems, menopause, and osteoporosis, etc.
However, there is no need to fear these diseases and medical conditions, if you take good care of your teeth and get regular dental check-ups done. And in case if you have already developed one of these, just strengthen your oral hygiene to prevent it from worsening.
If you are looking for a dentist, HPS Advanced Dental Care would love to see you. Dr. Heather is gladly accepting new patients.
We are located at 4741 24 Mile Rd. Shelby Township, MI 48316, and we can be reached at (248) 652-0024. We look forward to meeting you!
