Since most people visit a dentist for their dental health and a separate general healthcare provider for their general wellness, many do not realize how interconnected the mouth (and its health) is with the rest of the body (and its well-being). However, the mouth-body connection is strong, and the health of one has a significant impact on the health of the other. So, maintaining good oral health is paramount to achieving optimal wellness and well-being.
The Impact of Oral Health on General Health: How Are the Mouth and Body Connected?
The health of the mouth and that of the body are quite closely related, and there are two primary ways oral health impacts general health.
Maintaining Proper Nutrition
The mouth is the first part of the human body's digestive system, and this means that oral health is essential to digestive health and the body's ability to access vital nutrients and calories for proper function and a strong immune system. Poor oral hygiene and health can result in the degradation of the teeth. It can make it painful or difficult to chew foods thoroughly and maintain a healthy diet. Experiencing pain or difficulty eating as a result of poor oral health can harm the body's general health by limiting a person's diet and/or nutrient absorption during digestion.
Oral Diseases and Generalized Inflammation
The mouth's health can also impact the body's general health by contributing to (or causing) generalized inflammation. The mouth harbors a large amount of bacteria, some of which are good bacteria, and others are harmful. When the harmful bacteria multiply unchecked, they can easily enter the bloodstream through the mouth, travel throughout the body, and trigger a generalized inflammatory response. This immune response can be damaging to overall health and wellness.
Oral Diseases Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common disease caused by poor oral hygiene is periodontal disease (commonly referred to as gum disease). Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate on the surfaces of the teeth along the gum line. This buildup pushes the gums away from the teeth, creating warm, dark, moist pockets where harmful bacteria thrive.
Periodontal disease causes many local symptoms such as:
- Red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between the teeth
- Gum recession
- Tooth sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- Periodontal ligament degeneration
- Bone degeneration
- Tooth loss
Left untreated, periodontal disease leads to generalized inflammation throughout the body, and it contributes to a host of serious, systemic health issues including:
- Chronic respiratory infections
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dementia
- Certain cancers
- Reproductive health problems.
Patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease are at a significantly increased risk of developing the above-listed general health problems.
Maintaining a Healthy Body with Preventative Dental Care
The mouth-body connection is undeniable and should not be ignored.
At Todd Whitlock Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of achieving and maintaining optimal oral health not only to safeguard your smile but also to protect your general health. We offer a comprehensive menu of preventative dentistry and general dental care services including routine dental exams, professional teeth cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and patient education. Additionally, we provide treatments to help reverse oral health problems like gingivitis and manage periodontal disease to promote better overall health and well-being.
To learn more about the connection between oral health and general health or to request an appointment with our Bloomington dentist, we welcome you to contact our office today.