Keeping your mouth healthy can have a surprising effect on your overall health and well-being!
Keeping your mouth healthy has a lot of obvious benefits. One that you may not have thought of is that it keeps you, as a whole, healthy as well. Today we will be taking a look at how your oral health affects your overall health.
Your Mouth is a Trove of Bacteria
Now, when they think of bacteria, most people think of the kind that get you sick. Actually, the mouth is chock full of bacteria, most of which is harmless and beneficial! Practicing good oral hygiene keeps this bacteria in check. Gum disease and tooth decay can actually come about from increased levels of bacteria caused by poor oral hygiene. Studies have also shown that oral bacteria and the inflammation caused by periodontitis may play a role in other diseases that could affect your body.
Poor Oral Health May Contribute to Diseases
You should know that oral health may help cause other diseases. Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of your heart, may be caused when bacteria and other germs from your mouth attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart. Inflammation and other irritations caused by bacteria may also play a role in other cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, clogged arteries, or strokes. In addition, severe gum disease has also been linked to low birth weight and premature births, so pregnant women should take special care of their oral health.
Diseases May Affect your Oral Health
Not only could your oral health cause disease, but in some cases diseases can cause poor oral health! Gum diseases are markedly more common for those suffering from diabetes, probably because diabetes lowers the body’s resistance to infections. In the same way, those suffering from HIV/AIDS have a higher risk for gum disease. Osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones, may be linked to tooth loss. Alzheimer’s disease also causes worse oral health. There are many other diseases that can cause oral health problems… but you can see that your oral and overall health are linked inextricably. Your dentist can help you practice good oral hygiene so you can help keep the rest of your body healthy too!
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.