A growing body of evidence has linked oral health, in particular periodontal (gum) disease, to several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. In pregnant women, poor oral health has also been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Researchers know that there is a synergistic relationship between oral health and general well-being. Gum disease is linked to a number of diseases including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Analyzing more than 1,000 medical records, researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times more likely to suffer a stroke. Poor oral health causes millions of people to suffer devastating pain and increases the out-of-pocket financial burden on society. Oral diseases can affect a person's effectiveness in the school and work environment and can cause social and personal problems. The psychosocial impact of many oral diseases significantly reduces quality of life.
Cavities and tooth loss have been proven to be directly linked to poor diet and nutrition, often exacerbating existing health conditions. Your mouth is home to a lot of bacteria, both good and bad. Because the mouth is the entry point into the respiratory and digestive tracts, it doesn't take long before harmful bacteria begin to spread systemically. Strong research suggests that poor oral health and oral infections can lead to heart and lung disease, diabetes, strokes, and preterm births.
Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease, and can help you preserve your teeth as you age. Establishing good oral hygiene and dietary habits have been shown to be essential to achieving and maintaining overall physical and emotional well-being throughout life. There is a very strong and consistent association between socioeconomic status (income, occupation and educational level) and the prevalence and severity of oral diseases. Studies suggest that oral bacteria and inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) may play a role in some diseases.
In addition to affecting physical health, oral health problems and orthodontic problems can also affect a person's feelings of self-worth if they affect their appearance or ability to speak normally. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from a suitably qualified healthcare professional. Paying for needed oral health care is one of the main reasons for catastrophic health expenditures, resulting in an increased risk of impoverishment and economic hardship. These risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, and unhealthy diets high in free sugars, all of which are increasing globally.
Other conditions that may be related to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren's syndrome). This can mean that their bodies don't get the nutrition they need for optimal health, which can also worsen existing health conditions. You probably know that taking good care of your teeth and gums helps you avoid oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that could cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Normally, the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. Oral health can affect both your physical and emotional well-being, as it can affect appearance, interpersonal relationships, diet, nutrition, and speech. .
