Happy Mouth, Happy Body: Take Care of Your Oral Health

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.

 Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health?

 Did you know that problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body?

 Protect yourself by learning more about the link between your oral health and

overall health.

What is the link between oral health and overall health?

The mouth is rife with bacteria, just like other parts of the body. Most such bacteria are not harmful. However, the mouth serves as the digestive tract’s entrance. That is the lengthy tube of organs that food passes through on its way from the mouth to the anus. The respiratory tracts, which are the organs that permit breathing, is connected and can be accessed, and therefore influenced, through the mouth as well. Thus, oral bacteria can occasionally cause illnesses that spread throughout the body.

Usually, dental hygiene and the body’s defenses keep bacteria in check. Brushing and flossing daily is part of good oral hygiene. Neglecting dental hygiene can cause microorganisms to proliferate to the point that they can cause illnesses including gum disease

and tooth rot.

Additionally, various medications can reduce salivary flow. Decongestants, antihistamines, analgesics,  dietary supplements, and antidepressants  are examples of these medications. Saliva removes food particles and balances the acids produced by oral bacteria.This aids in preventing  the transmission of germs that could cause illness.Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, is  associated with oral bacteria as well as inflammation, or swelling and irritation of the mouth.

According to studies, various diseases are in fact affected by these microorganisms and inflammation. Additionally, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s ability to fight infection. That can make oral health problems worse.

What conditions are related to oral health?

Your oral health might play a part in conditions such as:

 Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal.

 Cardiovascular disease: Research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be related to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.

 Pregnancy and birth complications: Gum disease called periodontitis has proved to relate to premature birth and low birth weight.

 Pneumonia: Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs. This may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Certain medical problems may also impact oral health.

 Diabetes: Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So, diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be

more serious in people who have diabetes.

Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.

 HIV/AIDS: Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.

 Cancer: Among the distinct types of cancers, a variety of them affect gum diseases. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland, and uterus.

 Alzheimer’s disease. As Alzheimer’s disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.

Other conditions that we might connect to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren’s syndrome.

Tell your dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes.

How to protect oral health?

Protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day.

 Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.

 Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.

 Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.

 Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles show signs of wearing out or flare out.

 See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You may also go to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.

 Do not use tobacco.

Dr Hysum Mushtaq

Sr Dental Surgeon

J&K health Services