Do you know that oral health directly impacts your physical and well-being? Many people need to realize the crucial link between the health of their mouth and the rest of their body. Poor oral hygiene doesn’t just lead to cavities and bad breath—it can significantly increase your risk of developing serious chronic diseases.
At Babylon Dental Care, we want to empower you with the knowledge to take control of your oral and overall health.
The Mouth-Body Connection
Your mouth acts as the gateway to your body. Everything you eat and drink passes through your mouth first. When your mouth harbors harmful bacteria due to poor oral hygiene, these germs can easily travel through your bloodstream and digestive system to other body parts. This oral-systemic link, as dental experts call it, means that an infection in your mouth can have far-reaching effects on your overall health.
Research shows that people with gum disease and decay have a significantly higher risk of developing systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications. Having severe gum disease nearly doubles your likelihood of dying from heart disease and increases your risk of stroke by three times.
Diabetes and Your Mouth
Diabetes and poor oral health have a reciprocal relationship. Those with diabetes are more vulnerable to gum infections and healing issues. Similarly, gum disease complicates blood sugar control and worsens diabetes.
Studies suggest that people with diabetes have a 2.5 to 4 times greater risk of developing serious gum disease compared to those without diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off infections, including those in the mouth. High blood sugar also leads to a dry mouth, which allows cavity-causing bacteria to flourish.
Heart Health Starts in Your Mouth
Did you know that people with gum disease have a two to three-times higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke? The bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream, attach to fatty plaques in your arteries, and directly contribute to cardiovascular problems.
Oral bacteria can also cause the liver to produce more C-reactive proteins, which inflame blood vessels and may play a role in blood clots. Some types of mouth bacteria can even trigger a specific immune response that causes arterial plaque to build up more quickly. Keeping your mouth healthy with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can lower inflammation and help protect your heart.
Oral Health During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, taking care of your oral health becomes even more critical. Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing gum inflammation and infections.
Periodontitis, or severe gum disease, amplifies the risk of premature birth and low birth weight by seven times during pregnancy. Bacterial infiltration from gum infections enters the bloodstream, directs its attack towards the fetus, and triggers premature labor. Evidence suggests certain oral bacteria may even factor into miscarriages and stillbirths.
What You Can Do
Fortunately, tending to your oral health can decrease your chances of encountering these significant health issues. By brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing at least once daily, and attending routine dental cleanings and checkups, you can greatly diminish the risk of gum disease and uphold your overall well-being.
If you have concerns about oral health and its impact on your well-being, don’t hesitate to contact the caring team at Babylon Dental Care. We can help you achieve and maintain optimal oral and physical health. Call us today at (631) 983-6665 to schedule a consultation.
