Dental health is more than just having a beautiful smile – it plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. Poor oral health can lead to complications that affect the entire body. Today we will talk about the importance of maintaining good dental health and the connections between dental health and general health.
What defines oral or dental health?
Oral health and dental health are generally used interchangeably. They both refer to the same thing. The definition of oral health is essentially a “Condition of healthy and functioning teeth and their supporting structures, including the health of all parts of the oral cavity involved in chewing”.
Why does oral health matter?It may feel like dental health is a totally separate entity, probably because we go to a dentist instead of a medical doctor and we have different insurance to cover it. But your mouth is an important part of your body, and what happens in your mouth affects just about everything else in your body. You can often get a good sense of a person’s overall health just by looking in their mouth. If you don’t take care of your oral cavity, which includes teeth, gums, tongue, etc., this can lead to some serious health problems.
What oral problems can be caused by poor dental care?
Neglecting oral hygiene and regular dental care can lead to a variety of oral problems, including:
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Cavities – Caused by tooth decay from plaque buildup, they can lead to pain and infection if untreated.
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Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) – Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can progress to periodontitis, a severe form that causes tooth loss and inflammation throughout the body.
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Oral infections – Abscesses and other infections in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body.
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Tooth loss – Poor dental hygiene is a leading cause of tooth loss, impacting chewing, speech, and appearance.
What other health conditions are linked to dental health?
Dental health has profound implications for systemic health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to the following medical conditions:
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Cardiovascular disease – Bacteria from gum disease or dental infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
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Diabetes – People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, and untreated gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.
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Pregnancy complications – Gum disease has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
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Respiratory infections – Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory conditions.
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Endocarditis – Oral bacteria can cause infections in the inner lining of the heart, a condition known as endocarditis, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. This is an acute life-threatening condition.
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Rheumatoid arthritis – Research suggests that gum disease may exacerbate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis due to systemic inflammation.
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Cognitive decline – Emerging studies suggest a potential link between gum disease and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Can oral health affect mental health?
Yes. The connection between oral health and mental health is significant. Here are some examples:
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Chronic pain – Persistent tooth pain or gum disease discomfort can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
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Self-esteem issues – Visible dental problems like missing or decayed teeth can impact self-confidence, leading to social withdrawal and feelings of isolation.
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Sleep disturbances – Dental issues, such as nighttime tooth grinding or pain, can contribute to poor sleep quality, further affecting mental well-being.
Can dental health affect school performance?
Absolutely! Research clearly shows a link between oral/dental health and school performance. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children, and when left untreated, it can have long-lasting, detrimental effects on school attendance and academic performance in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Next week, we will talk more about the benefits of good dental health, and how you can help maintain good dental health for yourself and your children.
If you have any questions about dental health, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.
Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor