Oral Health and overall health.

Your mouth, like other parts of your body, is brimming with germs, most of which are harmless. However, because your mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory systems, some of these bacteria can cause illness. Hence, brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist on a regular basis might protect you from a lot more than cavities.

Heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis have all been related to gum disease. In fact, numerous studies have found that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke.

What are the systemic conditions that can be affected by your oral health?

Your dental health could have a role in a number of diseases and ailments, including:

1. Endocarditis: Bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, move through your bloodstream and adhere to certain places in your heart, causing endocarditis. Endocarditis is a life-threatening infection of the heart muscles and valves lining which is caused by bacteria.

Gum disease can be caused by bacteria present in dental plaque. This could progress if not treated. In this condition, the gums become red and swollen and frequently bleed during teeth brushing, flossing, or certain dental procedures involving gum manipulation. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and infect other regions of the body when gums bleed. The inner lining of the heart and the surfaces of its valves are affected by this in case of endocarditis.

• Complicated pregnancies and childbirth: Premature birth and low birth weight have been connected to gum diseases. In some cases, pain originating from the teeth can be a reason for contractions to start, by putting the patient under stress. 

Oral health is an important element of overall health, but it is even more so during this time because it affects both the mother and the fetus.

Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease in which the gums become red and swollen due to inflammation, which can be increased by hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Women who have a lot of cavity-causing bacteria in their mouth during pregnancy and after birth may pass these bacteria to their baby’s mouth.

• Lung issues: Tooth decay, swollen and bleeding gums, and other dental issues can result from an overgrowth of harmful oral bacteria. You may get an infection if these problems are not addressed. The germs can then travel to your lungs, causing bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as making emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse.

Normally when these bacteria enter any body system, they are usually prevented from making you sick by your immune system. Lung tissue can become irritated and inflamed if your immune system is already overworked due to untreated dental health issues.

• Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia: According to a study, those who have poor oral hygiene or gum disease are more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease than those who have healthy teeth.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a type of bacteria that can travel from the mouth to the brain, according to research. Once within the brain, the bacteria create gingipains, which can kill nerve cells, causing memory loss and eventually Alzheimer’s disease.

• Pancreatic diseases: A 2007 study of nearly 50,000 men conducted at Harvard School of Public Health indicated that men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent higher risk of pancreatic cancer than men without a history of gum disease.

High antibody levels against the oral bacteria p. gingivalis double an individual’s risk of pancreatic cancer. The body creates more antibodies when there are more microorganisms present. The bacteria p. gingivalis is present in high numbers in the mouth of individuals with gum disease.

However, it should be kept in mind that gum disease is not the only risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

• Kidney problems: Oral illnesses and poor oral hygiene are linked to a systemic inflammatory response, which is a crucial factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Tooth loss or periodontal disease can cause localized inflammation of adjacent tissues such gingiva, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. Furthermore, tooth loss or periodontal disease might lead to systemic inflammation. These inflammatory reactions are a major contributor to the development of chronic kidney diseases.

Gum ulcers in periodontal pockets allow oral germs to enter the circulatory system. Oral bacterial pathogens have been linked to changes in the gut microbiota, which can result in the induction of nephrotoxic toxins or the formation of a nephrotoxic microbiota.

What can I do to safeguard my dental health?

Practice appropriate dental hygiene on a daily basis to safeguard your oral health and in turn your overall health.

• At least twice a day, brush your teeth for two minutes each time. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day.
• After brushing and flossing, use mouthwash to remove any remaining food particles
• ( only if your dentist recommends you to do so)
• Limit sugary foods and beverages in your diet.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn or spread.
• Schedule dental cleanings and checkups on a regular basis.

Written by: Dr. Zainab Rangwala (Dental Surgeon- Surat)