How Your Oral Health Affects Your Overall Wellness

More Than Just a Bright Smile

At Holland Park Dental Centre, we know that dental care goes far beyond achieving a beautiful smile. Your mouth serves as a window into your overall health, often showing early signs of non-oral diseases. Similarly, problems that begin in your mouth can affect the rest of your body in surprising ways.

The Connection Between Oral Health and General Health

The link between oral health and general health stems from the fact that your mouth is full of bacteria and other microorganisms – in fact, around 700 different species. These are both beneficial and potentially harmful, and maintaining a good balance is essential for good oral and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can allow harmful bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to infections, gum disease and tooth decay.

Here’s how your oral health can impact various aspects of your overall wellness:

Heart Health

Studies have shown that people with gum disease (periodontitis) have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Periodontitis causes inflammation and that may contribute to further inflammation in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of gum disease before it affects your cardiovascular health.

Diabetes Management

There’s a two-way relationship between diabetes and oral health. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, which not only causes a burden on other areas of the body as seen above, but can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. And for anyone not diabetic, this could lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help manage diabetes more effectively and help prevent other diabetes-related conditions.

Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes

Expectant mothers with poor oral health may be at higher risk for premature birth and low birth weight babies. Pregnancy itself can also affect dental health, with hormonal changes making gums more sensitive to plaque, as well as more likely to be sore and swollen. We recommend pregnant women schedule a dental check-up as part of their pre- and postnatal care, and follow a regular oral hygiene routine.

Respiratory Health and Breathing Problems

If some of the harmful naturally occurring oral bacteria isn’t kept it check, it can cause serious respiratory issues. An untreated tooth infection, for example, can lead to other complications, increasing the amount of harmful bacteria. That can then be inhaled into your lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections and worsening conditions like pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Prevention is Key

The good news is that this is all preventable, simply through maintaining good oral health. And that is relatively straightforward:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks
• Avoid tobacco products
• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings

Your Partners in Dental and General Health

We’re committed to helping you achieve not just a healthy smile and mouth, but better overall health. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest research on the oral-general health connection to provide comprehensive care that considers your whole-body wellness.

Remember, investing in your oral health is investing in your overall wellbeing. Book your next check-up with us today, and let’s work together towards a healthier you, from teeth to toes.