You probably already know that proper gum and teeth care is the key to avoiding oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. However, do you know that poor oral health can easily affect your overall health?
Proper dental care does more than just help you avoid toothaches and bad breath – it also lowers the risk of certain health problems and improves your quality of life. In this detailed guide, we will take a deeper look at how your oral health impacts your overall health.
10 Reasons to Pay More Attention to Your Oral Health
1. Lower Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
According to a research study published in 2013, individuals suffering from periodontal disease – also known as gum disease – are at an increased risk of up to 25% for cardiovascular disease. The same study notes that 84.4% of people with cardiovascular disease were suffering from periodontal disease.
Research shows that periodontal disease creates a passage for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, it tends to exacerbate the hardening of arteries (also known as atherosclerosis).
The hardening of arteries triggers the thinning of blood vessels. This leads to decreased blood flow, which often forces the heart to work harder than normal. This results in an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
2. Avoid Respiratory Infections
A study published in 2013 notes that periodontal disease is a risk factor for developing a range of respiratory infections, including bacterial pneumonia. According to the study, oral periodontopathic bacteria may be aspirated into the lungs, which can cause aspiration pneumonia.
3. Lower the Risk Dementia
Dementia is a health problem that is characterized by loss of language, problem-solving, and memory abilities. Maintaining white and healthy teeth can help you lower your risk of dementia.
A research study published in 2018 indicates that suboptimal oral health – characterized by tooth loss, dental caries, and gingivitis – is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment.
4. Avoid Pregnancy Issues
Research shows that women with poor oral health during pregnancy can suffer a range of negative health impacts. Some of the pregnancy problems associated with poor dental health include low birth weight, pregnancy granuloma, pregnancy tumors, pre-eclampsia, and premature delivery.
5. Avoid Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem that is currently growing. The World Health Organization notes that only 150 million men had erectile dysfunction in 1995 – this number is expected to rise to 320 million by 2025.
A research study published in 2017 showed that there is a strong relationship between oral health and erectile dysfunction. The study notes that men suffering from erectile dysfunction experienced an improvement in their ability to get and maintain erections with periodontal disease treatment.
6. Avoid Diabetic Complications
Diabetes is a growing concern worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that the number of people living with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to over 422 million in 2014. In 2019, diabetes was reported as the ninth leading cause of death.
Although poor oral health may not cause diabetes, conditions like periodontal disease can worsen the symptoms of diabetes. Making it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood glucose levels, periodontal disease can increase the risk of diabetic complications.
7. Avoid Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection that affects the heart’s inner linings. This health issue results from bacteria in your mouth entering the bloodstream, spreading throughout your body, and attaching to the heart.
A research study published in 2010 indicated gingival disease significantly increases the risk of suffering from endocarditis. The study noted that subjects with a mean plaque score of more than 2 were at a 3.78- and 4.43-fold increased risk of developing endocarditis.
8. Minimize the Risk of Fertility Problems
Poor oral health can affect the fertility of both men and women. A research study published in 2014 showed that poor oral health may lead to low sperm count. A different research study published in 2020 concluded that dental caries and periodontal disease could be one of the causes of unexplained female infertility.
9. Lower Your Risk of Kidney Disease
Several research studies have shown a strong connection between kidney disease and periodontal disease. A research study published in 2011, for example, showed that poor oral health can make symptoms of chronic kidney disease worse.
10. Lower Your Risk of Cancer
A research study published in 2018 showed that there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and different types of cancer. The study found that a molecular level mechanism exists through which the bacteria that cause periodontal disease may affect the onset of cancer.
Do More for Your Teeth: Straighten Your Teeth to Improve Your Mental Health
At this point, it is very clear to you that taking care of your dental health will help you avoid a large number of physical health problems. But, did you know that straightening your teeth can improve your mental health too?
Straightening crooked teeth allows you to feel confident in social circles, which, in turn, allows you to connect more seamlessly with people. A research study published in 2017 showed that social connectedness boosts public mental health.
At Linea Clear, we focus on helping you choose the right dental braces. Using invisible teeth aligners, we simplify the process of teeth straightening.
What makes our orthodontic treatment stand out is the fact that our team of orthodontists has decades of experience in teeth straightening. What’s more, our orthodontists handle each patient differently. Taking time to understand the needs of each patient, we always ensure our clients are getting transparent teeth aligners that feature the most benefits for them.
Interested in fixing your smile? All you have to do is book a FREE e-consultation. We will assign a professional and experienced orthodontist to you. The orthodontist will help you choose the best invisible teeth aligners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the oral health problems that affect my overall health and wellbeing?
Several oral and dental diseases affect your overall well-being. Some of these diseases include:
Cavities
Gum disease
Broken or cracked teeth
Periodontal disease
How common are oral health problems?
According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people. What’s more, the CDC indicates that among adults above the age of 20, 90% have had at least one cavity.
This means that oral health problems are extremely common. For this reason, you should pay special attention to your teeth and gums.
How do I improve my oral health?
The first step in improving your oral health is creating a good dental health maintenance routine. For starters, you can start with flossing at least once per day and brushing your teeth at least two times per day.
If you already have some oral health issues, working with a professional dentist may be necessary. For example, using fluoride treatment, the dentist may help you fight off cavities. Also, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you already have a gum infection.
Do I need professional cleaning to improve my dental health?
Even if you have been taking good care of your teeth, you may still need professional cleaning 2 times per year – that is, once every 6 months. A professional cleaning will eliminate plaque that you could have missed during flossing and brushing.
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