Oral Health |
Your oral health is more important than you may
realize.
Do you know that your oral health can
offer clues about your overall health? Or those problems in your mouth can
affect the rest of your body? Understanding the intimate connection between
oral health and overall health and what you can do to protect yourself will
definitely help you stay healthy.
What's the
connection between oral health and overall health?
Your mouth is teeming with bacteria —
most of them harmless. Normally the body's natural defences and good oral
health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under
control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause
oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, dental
procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the
normal balance of bacteria in your mouth or breach the mouth's normal
protective barriers may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
What conditions may
be linked to oral health?
Your oral health may be affected by, or
contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
·
Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut
your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak
immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts
of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart
(Endocarditis).
·
Cardiovascular
disease. Some research
suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral
bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis — a severe
form of gum disease.
·
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature
birth and low birth weight.
·
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to
infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate
blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums
and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do
people who have good blood sugar control.
·
HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal
lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
·
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become
weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
·
Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor
for Alzheimer's disease.
·
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral
health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating
disorders.
Be sure to tell your dentist if you're
taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health —
especially if you've had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition.
How can I protect my
oral health?
To protect your oral health, resolve to
practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:
·
Brush your teeth at
least twice a day.
·
Replace your
toothbrush every three months.
·
Floss daily.
·
Eat a healthy diet
and limit between-meal snacks.
·
Schedule regular
dental checkups.
Also, watch for signs and symptoms of
oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember,
taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
0 comments:
Post a Comment