Oral Health for Overall Health.

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Learn how your general health can be influenced by the health of your mouth, teeth and gums.

THE LINK BETWEEN DENTAL HEALTH AND GENERAL HEALTH.

Your mouth, like any other parts of the body, harbors bacteria — mostly harmless. But your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of these bacteria can cause disease.

Normally the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbes that multiply and lead to disease.

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 estimated that oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

• Endocarditis

It is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium), which typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.

• Cardiovascular diseases

Ongoing research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to the inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria.

• Pregnancy and birth complications

Studies have proved that the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can actually get into the bloodstream and target the fetus, potentially leading to premature labor and low-birth-weight (PLBW) babies.

• Pneumonia

Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Health conditions that can affect your oral health include:

• Diabetes

Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes as it suppresses the immunity and increases the chances of infection. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.

Diabetes is linked with the development and progression of periodontitis. There is a causal link between high consumption of sugars and diabetes, obesity and dental caries.

• Osteoporosis

It is a bone weakening condition that affects the skeletal structure all over the body, common amongst women. Medication used for treating this condition is associated with affecting the bones of the jaw.

• HIV/AIDS

Painful mucosal lesions, and ulcerations in mouth are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.

• Alzheimer's Disease

Worsening of oral health is seen as Alzheimer's disease progresses.

Most oral diseases and conditions share modifiable risk factors with the leading noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes). These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets high in free sugars, all of which are increasing at the global level.

Tell your dentist about the medications you take and about changes in your overall health. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.