Your oral health is the window of your general health. Teeth are the organs primarily affected when something is going wrong within your body, even before it appears in the diagnostic reports. Your oral health is much more important than you realize. A thorough examination of your oral cavity can result in early diagnosis of any ailment and thus prevention of any disease that is not realized by the patient yet.
The expert staff at West 85th Dental enlighten us about the close linkage between general health and oral health. This article encloses all the details everyone must know to understand his body better and therefore effectively maintaining a healthy state.
The complex connection between oral health and general health
Your poor oral cavity problems may lead to numerous health problems. These disorders range from small disorders to grave health issues. Therefore, you must always maintain your dental hygiene to prevent these oral diseases and in turn general health issues. These health disorders are as follows:
Endocarditis: The inflammation of the innermost linings of the heart chambers is known as endocarditis. It occurs when the bacteria originated from other organs such as mouth, travels in the bloodstream and ends up affecting certain areas of your heart.
Cardiovascular disease: Although the research is still going on, some heart diseases like clogged arteries and stroke are found linked with the infections occurring due to oral bacterial flora, present in your cavity.
Pneumonia: Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled in your lungs if any severe infection is present in your cavity and bloodstream, thus resulting in pneumonia and other respiratory tract ailments.
Diabetes: By reducing the body’s resistance to the infection, the person suffering from diabetes is seen at a high risk of developing gum diseases, cavities, and infections. If your dentist suspects something, he might advise you to get your tests done.
HIV/AIDS: Oral problems such as painful jaws and recurrent infections that last long, are a common occurrence in immunocompromised HIV/AIDS infected persons.
Osteoporosis: This bone-weakening disease shows its linkage with periodontal bone loss and finally tooth loss. Drugs used to treat osteoporosis posses a risk to damage the jaw bone namely maxilla and mandible.
Alzheimer’s Disease: The worsening oral health, is observed as a sign that the status of Alzheimer’s disease is degrading.
Some other conditions are also seen to be linked with oral health such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Sjogren’s syndrome, etc. Talk to your dentists about all the medication related to your disorders especially if you have been suffering from any chronic conditions.
Tips to keep your oral health at an optimum level
- To maintain your oral health at the optimum level, one must practice oral hygiene daily.
- He should brush at least twice a day. Rinsing his mouth with clean water after eating something is important as well.
- The toothpaste should be fluoride-based. Regular brushing should be done with the toothbrush having soft bristles with a regular circular motion on your teeth. Brushing should be done patiently, to clean the cavity completely.
- Floss your teeth regularly with a generous quantity of toothpaste to clean the interdental space of any food particles. Use mouthwash to clean your teeth completely. It will also help in getting rid of the bad odor you might be embarrassed about.
- Add healthy food items to your diet and keep a watch on the sweets/ salty snacks you munch upon, absentmindedly. These are the culprits for multiplied colonies of bacteria and consequently, your dental disorders.
- Make a rule to replace your toothbrush every third month. If the bristles are seen worn out, you can always replace it sooner. A worn-out toothbrush will lead to compromised cleaning.
- Schedule dental appointments at least twice, annually. Schedule the same for your family and loved ones. This will help in early identification of issues and thus early treatment as well.
- Avoid the consumption of tobacco and cigarettes. These increases your chances of getting oral carcinoma by threefold.
Also, contact your dentist if you suffer from any oral health problems. It is the best investment you will make for your health.
