Oral health: The link between the mouth and the body

The mouth is always considered the "gateway" of the body, directly connected to the digestive and respiratory tract. However, like other areas of your body, your mouth can harbor a wide variety of bacteria, both harmless and pathogenic.
If bacteria accumulate on the teeth for a long time, it will make the gums susceptible to infection and inflammation. If the patient is not promptly handled, the prolonged gingivitis combined with the substances it secretes will erode the gums and cause serious gum disease (periodontitis), affecting the general health of the patient. body.

Poor oral hygiene can contribute to many different diseases and conditions. Conversely, certain health conditions can also affect your oral health.

It can be said that the link between diabetes and periodontitis is the strongest of the relationships between the mouth and the body and is bidirectional. Inflammation of the gums in the mouth weakens the body's ability to control blood sugar, so gum disease is more frequent and severe in people with diabetes. Conversely, high blood sugar also facilitates the development of infections (including gum infections).
Fortunately, people can use the relationship between gum disease and diabetes to reduce the severity of both conditions at the same time. For example, good glycemic control can help reduce gingivitis, and good dental care can improve diabetes.

Although it is still in the research process, many experts have recognized a correlation between gums and cardiovascular disease. It was found that up to 91% of patients with heart disease had periodontitis (compared to 66% in people without heart disease). Patients with these two conditions often have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, and being overweight. Many people even suspect that periodontitis has a direct effect on the increased risk of heart disease.
According to research, endocarditis - an infection of the inner lining of the heart's chambers or valves - can happen when bacteria from another part of the body (such as the mouth) spreads through the bloodstream and attaches to certain areas of the patient's heart. Several other studies have also suggested that clogged arteries and strokes may also be linked to the inflammation and infection that oral bacteria can cause.

Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight are more likely to have significant health problems, including heart and lung problems, cognitive defects, etc. While there are many factors that contribute to premature birth or underweight, researchers are also looking at the possible role of gum disease. Infection and inflammation in general can affect the developing baby in the womb.
Although periodontitis is more common in men than women, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman's risk. To ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy for both mother and baby in the future, doctors encourage women to have regular and comprehensive dental exams, including during pregnancy or before pregnancy to determine Are you at risk of getting the disease?

One of the best dental care you can take is to stop smoking right away. Quitting smoking is not only good for your oral health, but it's also beneficial for the body in general.
According to CDC statistics, a smoker is 3 times more likely to develop severe gum disease than a non-smoker. The amount of nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby reducing the ability of the gums to fight infection. Not only that, heavy smoking also hinders the treatment process because gum surgeries tend to be more complicated and difficult to recover from.

The effects of oral health on the body are still being studied further. Some of the links between oral health and other conditions are being investigated, including:
Overweight/obesity: 2 studies have linked obesity to gum disease because periodontitis seems to tend to progressed faster when the patient's body fat was higher; Lung disease: Periodontal disease can make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly because bacteria in the mouth are pulled into the lungs, increasing the amount of bacteria in the lungs; Osteoarthritis: Osteoporosis is thought to be related to jaw bone loss and tooth loss. Some medications used to treat osteoporosis also carry a small risk of damage to the jawbone. In addition, treating periodontal disease has also been shown to help relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis; HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS often lowers the body's resistance to infection, making oral health problems worse. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are also common in people with HIV/AIDS; Alzheimer's disease: Oral health tends to worsen as Alzheimer's disease progresses.

To keep your teeth clean and healthy at the same time, the advice of experts is to practice good dental care every day according to the following suggestions:
Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, every day. times 2 minutes. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride; Create a habit of flossing daily (at least once a day); Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing; Stick to a healthy diet that provides adequate nutrients and limits sugary foods and drinks; Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are thin or worn; Schedule regular dental check-ups and removals; Thoroughly treat periodontal disease (if any) before it affects your general health; Limit tobacco use and quit if possible. Overall, your body is closely related to your oral health, and oral health can also impact your body. Therefore, paying attention to good oral care will help you have a better overall health.

References: webmd.com, mayoclinic.org, ada.org