How Your Mouth Affects Your Overall Health (2024)

FAQs

How Your Mouth Affects Your Overall Health? ›

How does oral health affect overall health? The two are connected in many ways. If uncontrolled, bacteria in the mouth can multiply and enter the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body. Gum disease, in particular, has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and even Alzheimer's disease.

Research suggests that mouth bacteria can enter your bloodstream, infecting other parts of the body and causing inflammation that leads to heart disease and more. These same bacteria have also been linked to respiratory infections and pneumonia. Pregnant women are also at risk of complications due to poor oral health.

Your mouth can tell you a lot about the health of your body. The mouth shows signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems. It can also show signs of other disease, if you're missing certain foods from your diet and unhealthy habits such as using tobacco and tobacco-like products, and alcohol.

Most cases are dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal diseases, tooth loss and oral cancers. Other oral conditions of public health importance are orofacial clefts, noma (severe gangrenous disease starting in the mouth mostly affecting children) and oro-dental trauma.

Summary. The two main functions of the mouth are eating and speaking. The face's trigeminal nerve provides sensation (feeling) and helps us to bite, chew and swallow. Some disorders of the mouth include infections, ulcers, cancer, cleft palate, dry mouth syndrome, dental caries and speech problems such as lisping.

Good oral health can help control and/or lessen the risk associated with heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and other conditions. It can also improve self-esteem because healthy teeth and gums are important to how people feel about themselves.

A pink tongue is healthy and normal. A red tongue may indicate heat in the body like a fever or a hormonal imbalance. A reddish purple tongue is a sign that there may be inflammation or an infection in the body. A pale pink tongue may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system or a lack of energy.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks

In addition to the pain it causes, sensitivity is also a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Factors like brushing too hard, overuse of acidic beverages like soda and coffee, and excessive use of whitening products all expose tiny canals that lead right to your dental nerves.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly. Visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning. Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you take.

What are 3 common oral problems? ›

A dry or sticky mouth can sometimes occur alongside an unpleasant taste or bad breath. This can happen because saliva helps maintain oral health. Without enough saliva, bacteria and food particles may produce a bad smell or taste.

“Oral health is an indicator of overall health. Preventing oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease will definitely reduce the risk of more serious health issues throughout the body.” “Periodontitis pathogens are found in tumor tissue.”

Wisdom teeth are connected to the central nervous system including the heart, liver, and intestines. They can signal high blood pressure, headaches, liver disease, pain, and cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that gum disease has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Oral health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing at all stages of your life. Keeping a healthy smile is also an important part of social and emotional health. Poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, stroke and respiratory conditions.

Prevents More Serious Diseases

Having good oral hygiene also leads to better total body health and will help you avoid problems like diabetes, heart disease or dementia. Studies have shown that the bacteria that commonly cause gum disease are also found in patients with heart disease.

Poor oral hygiene leads to increased bacteria in the mouth which infects gums and causes gum disease. This excess bacterial also travel into the bloodstream causing blood vessel inflammation and damage. This in turn leads to the creation of small blood clots which can cause heart attacks or strokes.

Beyond unsightly smiles and bad breath, research shows dental problems can contribute to several chronic conditions, including: Heart disease: People with poor oral health have an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure.