Holistic dentists specialize in overall well-being, and physical health is a part of that. Read on to find out how oral health impacts physical health.
How does oral health impact physical health?
Your mouth is full of mostly good bacteria, but sometimes, these bacteria can become harmful and lead to diseases. With our mouth being the gateway to our body, oral infections can lead to more serious conditions.
A good oral routine, like brushing and flossing your teeth, can prevent the bad bacteria from causing problems. If you don’t take care of your oral health, then infections like gum disease and tooth decay can occur.
Gum disease can be a good indicator for other conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. The inflammation from the gum disease can spread the bacteria into your bloodstream, and in doing so, can cause infection elsewhere in your body.
Physical Health and Oral Health
An array of physical health conditions can be linked to your oral health, so here are some conditions that have shown a connection.
Pneumonia – This is caused when the bacteria from your mouth has reached your lungs.
Endocarditis – This refers to an infection in the inner lining of your heart chamber, which is caused by bacteria from your mouth spreading to your bloodstream and to your heart.
HIV/AIDS – People who have HIV/AIDS can struggle with oral problems like mucosal lesions.
Osteoporosis – This condition is linked to periodontal tooth loss. Treatments used for this disease come with a risk of damage to the jawbone.
Cardiovascular disease – There has been research to suggest that infections from oral bacteria can be linked to heart disease and strokes.
Alzheimer’s disease – As this disease progresses, the oral health of the patient can dramatically deteriorate.
How to Look After Your Oral Health
To prevent conditions and diseases like this, caring for your oral health is essential. To ensure your oral hygiene is the best it can be, brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Make flossing a part of your routine, and afterwards, use mouthwash to get rid of any food debris leftover.
Book an Appointment
Scheduling an appointment with your dentist for cleanings and checkups is also an important part of your oral health routine, especially if you notice any problems. Book an appointment with Kozlow and Rowell today or speak to us to learn more about oral health.