Can Brushing Teeth Improve your Overall Health?

Did you know that dental health issues may influence the rest of your body or that they might provide hints about your general health? You can never predict when the need for an emergency dentist will arise, so it is better to keep the number of 24-hour dentists in the backup. Learn more about the relationship between your dental and general health to take preventative measures.

Relation between dental health and overall health

Your mouth is teeming with germs, which are harmless, like other body parts. Some of these bacteria can spread disease as your mouth serves as the entrance to your digestive and respiratory systems.

Bacteria are often checked by the body's natural defenses and proper oral hygiene practices like regular brushing and flossing. But without good dental hygiene, germs may build up to the point where they cause oral illnesses, including tooth decay and gum disease.

Additionally, several drugs can decrease saliva flow, including decongestants, antihistamines, opioids, diuretics, and antidepressants. Saliva assists in protecting you against microorganisms that proliferate and cause disease by washing away food and neutralizing acids generated by bacteria in the mouth.

According to studies, many disorders may be influenced by oral bacteria and the inflammation brought on by a severe type of gum disease (periodontitis). Additionally, conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS can make it harder for the body to fight against infections, exacerbating oral health issues.

What diseases are related to dental health?

Your dental health may play a role in several illnesses and ailments, such as:

Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from another region of your body, such as your mouth, migrate through your circulation and adhere to specific locations in your heart, it often results in an infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium).

Cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that heart disease, blocked arteries, and stroke may be connected to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause, even if the connection is not entirely understood.

Pregnancy and birth complications: Low birth weight and early delivery have been connected to periodontitis.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses can be brought on by certain bacteria in your mouth that can be drawn into your lungs.