Poor oral health can negatively impact the rest of your body, affecting general health and increasing your risk of certain illnesses. Oral health and general health may seem unconnected, but studies and dentists support the fact that the former affects the latter. Let’s discover more about the link between oral and general health in this article!
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How Poor Oral Hygiene Affects the Body
Certain bacteria colonize our mouths—those that are normally present and those that cause disease. Infrequent brushing, lack of flossing, and disuse of antibacterial mouthwash allow pathogenic bacteria to flourish, so much so that they can also gain entry into the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Research Findings on Gum Disease and Potential Health Risks
Researchers at the University Of North Carolina School Of Dentistry combed through upward of a thousand medical cases to conclude that people with gum diseases were three times more likely to suffer from stroke and twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack as compared to other people. Moreover, a whole host of other diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop in people with gum diseases that stem from poor oral hygiene.
One of the most common yet underdiagnosed cases remains chronic inflammation of the gums. This ongoing inflammation allows oral bacteria—of which there are many—to enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc elsewhere. Those who are suffering from ongoing heart diseases like valve malfunction are more likely than others to develop issues.
Saliva is responsible for maintaining the pH of the mouth and protecting the teeth, as it contains antibodies that fight bacteria. Certain medications decrease this defense mechanism of the oral cavity by reducing the production of saliva. Examples of such medications include antihistamines, painkillers, decongestants, diuretics, and antidepressants.
Oral health problems can become even worse in chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS and diabetes, affecting the overall immune system of the body. Oral infections and systemic infections both prevail in such scenarios.
Conditions That Are Linked To Poor Oral Health
Following is the list of diseases that can be linked to poor oral hygiene:
- Respiratory diseases: Individuals who do not adequately look after their oral health can fall victim to respiratory problems as oral bacteria can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs through inhalation. Therefore it is not uncommon to see respiratory diseases like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis in those who have poor oral hygiene.
- Osteoporosis: If severe bone loss occurs due to periodontal disease, it’s not just your teeth that get affected but the rest of the body too leading to problems such as osteoporosis.
- Heart diseases: Bacteria from your mouth can travel through the bloodstream to other organs such as the heart leading to inflammation. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
- Endocarditis: As mentioned before, heart diseases are prevalent in those with poor hygiene. Bacteria from the mouth gain entry into the bloodstream and then attach themselves to valves and the innermost lining of the heart to cause inflammatory changes and disease.
- Pregnancy Complications: Gum inflammation and infection have been linked to low birth weight in babies, as well as premature birth.
How To Protect Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is a no-brainer. In light of the above argument, the importance of oral hygiene cannot be argued. In fact, this brings us back to the reiteration of maintaining good oral hygiene by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who said, “If I had not found it a hardship for my Ummah, I would order them to use Miswak for every Wudu.” (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 1, p. 307, Hadith 887).
Additionally, you can brush and floss daily, eat a healthy diet with limited sugars and have regular dental checkups.
The Role Of Toothpaste In Maintaining Oral Health
Using toothpaste to brush your teeth after every meal is crucial for maintaining oral health. Toothpaste provides several benefits. It helps kill bacteria that develop in the mouth, removes plaque, strengthens the enamel, and helps prevent sensitivity issues.
If you are looking for a toothpaste to help prevent sensitivity problems while ensuring overall oral health, you can opt for a dentist-recommended toothpaste such as Sensodyne Complete Action. This toothpaste ensures maximum protection for your teeth and promotes oral health. Sensodyne Complete Action is a fluoride-based toothpaste with a unique formula that provides daily sensitivity protection, helps fight cavities, and supports healthy gums. Additionally, it helps maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth and assists in maintaining a strong enamel.
For any concerns regarding your oral health, you can book an appointment with top dentists in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com or call our helpline at 04238900939 for assistance in finding the right professional for your concerns.
