Oral Health, the Gateway to Well-being

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to miss the importance of oral hygiene. Yet, maintaining good oral health is not just about a great smile. It's about safeguarding our overall well-being. Thus, we cannot afford to take oral hygiene for granted.

In this post, we look at the connection between oral health and general well-being. Later, we highlight the vital role that dental care plays in maintaining our health.

The Relationship between Dental Hygiene and Other Diseases

Some people think of dental health as an isolated part of their well-being. However, studies have shown a strong relationship between poor oral health and various systematic conditions. 

Consult all your favorite Periodontists in Palo Alto, and they will tell you that periodontal disease (gum disease) has been linked to conditions like diabetes, respiratory infections, and heart disease. Also, bacteria from the mouth can get into your bloodstream and cause inflammation and infections in distant parts of the body.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Some studies show that taking better care of your teeth might lower your chances of having heart disease. For instance, a study from 2019 looked at the health records of around 250,000 healthy adults in South Korea. They found that over about 10 years, people who brushed their teeth and got regular dental cleanings were less likely to have heart problems than those who didn't take as good care of their teeth and had more cavities or gum disease.

In addition, a 2012 statement from the American Heart Association concluded that cardiovascular conditions like stroke and atherosclerosis (blocked artery) have been linked to inflammation caused by oral bacteria.  

So, regularly see your family dentist in Palo Alto to address any unimagined oral conditions that may lead to heart disease.  

Diabetes

Gum disease can make it hard for diabetic patients to manage their blood sugar levels. Also, people with diabetes are more likely to have problems with their teeth and gums as their mouths don't heal as well and don't get as much blood flow.

Respiratory Health

Poor dental hygiene has been connected to an increased risk of respiratory diseases. 

The mouth is home to more than 700 different species of bacteria and microorganisms. Some of them can be harmful if they get into the respiratory system. If you don't observe oral hygiene, these harmful microorganisms can multiply and get into your lungs, causing conditions like pneumonia. 

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

Poor oral hygiene can cause complications during pregnancy and birth. Some of these complications may include:

• Low birth weight infant 
• Premature birth
• Preeclampsia 

In addition, pregnant mothers are more likely to develop periodontitis, gingivitis, or tooth decay due to hormone fluctuations. 

Alzheimer's Disease

A study by NIA scientists concluded that Porphyromonas gingivalis (the bacteria that cause gum disease) is linked to the development of dementia. This species of bacteria migrates from the mouth to the brain, releasing enzymes called gingipains, which can harm nerve cells. The damage to the nerve cells can lead to memory loss and, over time, may lead to Alzheimer's. 

Other Conditions 

Oral bacteria have also significantly been associated with multiple other conditions like:

• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease 
• Colorectal and breast cancers  

Dental Solutions to Keep Other Problems at Bay

As you have seen, neglecting oral health can lead to many systemic health issues. Understanding this relationship leads us to explore possible dental solutions that promote a happy smile and safeguard against broader health concerns.

• Regular Dental Checkups: Prevention is the basis of dental care. Routine dental checkups allow early detection of dental health conditions like gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer. 
• Root Canals and Extractions: Removing the infected part of the tooth or pulling it out, ultimately, if needed, stops harmful bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body.
• Implants: Tooth loss affects your natural ability to speak and chew. However, it can also have far-reaching consequences on your overall health. Dental implants are an aesthetically pleasing and durable way to replace missing teeth. They keep your jawbone strong and stop nearby teeth from moving around. They also support facial contours and lower the chance of bone loss, which can happen when you lose tooth roots.
• Plaque Control: Plaque buildup not only contributes to cavities and gum disease but also poses risks to systemic health. Research has linked the bacteria found in dental plaque to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Implementing effective plaque control measures like brushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning reduces oral bacteria levels and minimizes associated health risks.
• Sleep Apnea Treatment: Sleep apnea is when you suddenly stop breathing while you sleep, which can be bad for your heart, brain, and overall quality of life. Get sleep apnea treatment in Palo Alto by contacting a dentist who can make special mouthpieces you wear at night to keep your jaw in a good position and help you breathe better. Eventually, this will improve sleep quality and reduce associated health risks.

Regular Oral Health Check-ins can be the Gateway to Good Health

A close relationship exists between your oral health and that of the rest of your body. Observing good dental hygiene habits and seeing the dentist regularly are part of the broader self-care practices. If you are worried about your teeth or need a checkup, don't hesitate to visit the best dentist in Palo Alto, Redwood City & Santa Clara.