Oral Health vs. Overall Health Connection

Woman getting an oral health checkup in Parker, CO

Understanding the oral health and overall health link is crucial for maintaining your well-being. At Twin Aspen Dental Center, in Parker, CO, we are committed to helping you grasp this vital link and offering outstanding dental care to support your health. Poor oral health problems like gum disease have shown links to substantial general health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and even respiratory conditions. Conversely, certain health conditions with one part of your body can also impact your oral health and cause infections, dry mouth, inflammation, and other symptoms. By identifying and addressing these interconnected factors, you and our dental team can proactively work toward a healthier and happier you. Keep reading to learn more about how your dental health and body health connections are deeply intertwined and how we can help you thrive.

How Does Oral Health Affect Overall Health?

Abundant research highlights a growing connection between oral health and overall wellness, showing how oral issues can contribute to broader health concerns. For instance, if you don’t treat gum disease, it can exacerbate diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions, making them harder to manage. Poor oral health has also been linked to respiratory infections because bacteria from the mouth can travel to the lungs. Additionally, the relationship between oral health and mental health is increasingly recognized. Dental pain or tooth loss can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Additionally, various mental health challenges, such as stress, can worsen oral hygiene habits and increase the risk of dental disease. Addressing oral health is essential to improving overall health and managing chronic conditions effectively. Below, we’ve described some valuable information about this topic:

Individuals enduring their own mental health struggles are more likely than others to experience untreated dental issues, such as tooth pain or other unmet oral care needs.
People with mental health challenges are almost four times as likely to report feeling ashamed of their teeth, mouth, or dentures compared to others.
Anxiety can have a major impact on dental visits. Nearly half of those with mental health struggles report feeling anxious during their last appointment, compared to 27% of others.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene for Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene, like regular brushing, is essential not just for your teeth but for your overall health. Poorly caring for your dental health tends to increase your risk of serious issues, including oral cancer. Many throat cancers are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. In fact, poor oral health is a known risk factor for oral HPV infections. The good news is that the HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by the virus. As you age, neglecting your dental health can lead to various health problems, making it even more important to prioritize your oral care for long-term well-being. Some health issues linked to poor dental hygiene include the following:

Poor oral health may affect your vision. Higher levels of oral bacteria, tooth loss, and gum disease have all been linked to an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
Neglecting dental care during early adulthood can raise the likelihood of developing high blood pressure later on.
Diabetes and oral health are closely connected. Gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar, while diabetes increases the chances of gum disease by 86%.

What Health Conditions Can Oral Health Cause or Worsen?

Did you know your oral health impacts more than just your teeth in vital areas like your heart? Issues like gum disease and poor hygiene can lead to complications throughout your entire body. At Twin Aspen Dental Center, we prioritize educating patients about the connection between oral health and overall wellness. Let us help you protect your smile while supporting your whole-body health. Below are explanations of a few serious health conditions tied to your dental health:

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

During pregnancy, it’s especially important to prioritize your health, including oral care. Neglecting dental hygiene during pregnancy has been linked to complications such as gestational diabetes, low birth weight, restricted fetal growth, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Endocarditis

People with heart disease or other heart conditions are more likely to develop endocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart’s inner lining or valves. This condition is typically caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream, often through medical or dental procedures like tooth extractions. While endocarditis is rare in individuals with healthy hearts, those with underlying heart issues face a higher risk. If left untreated, this condition can become life-threatening. Recognizing the risks and taking preventive measures, such as antibiotics before certain procedures, can help reduce the chances of infection for those prone to this condition.

Cardiovascular Disease

This umbrella term refers to many disorders impacting your blood vessels and heart. If you have poor oral health, you should know it’s connected to various forms of cardiovascular disease. Twin Aspen Dental Center recommends all patients stay on top of regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, letting us identify and address issues to mitigate the risks to your heart, blood vessels, and other parts of your body. The following are examples of cardiovascular diseases associated with poor or failing oral health:

Clogged Arteries – Research indicates a strong link between periodontal disease and higher rates of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque accumulates in the blood vessels responsible for carrying oxygen and blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Coronary Artery Disease – Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent form of heart disease and can result in serious conditions like heart attacks and heart failure. It remains the leading cause of death across the United States.
Stroke – Research indicates a significant link between gum disease and strokes, particularly those caused by atherosclerosis.

Pneumonia

Research suggests a connection between cavities and pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Oral bacteria may travel from the mouth to the upper airway and lungs, increasing the risk of infection. This process could make it easier for harmful bacteria to settle in the lungs, potentially leading to respiratory issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential because it may help reduce the likelihood of bacteria migrating and contributing to pneumonia and other lung infections.

Additional Health Issues

Maintaining a healthy mouth is essential for overall well-being and proper nutrition. Teeth and gums play a vital role in chewing and digesting food, which directly impacts your ability to absorb nutrients. Poor oral health, such as untreated cavities, can lead to serious consequences, especially in children. Some of these results include poor nutrition, stunted physical growth, and delayed development. Cavities left untreated can also cause painful conditions like gum disease, infections, facial swelling, and even cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection that may spread if ignored. Regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing, and a balanced diet are critical to keeping your mouth and body healthy.

Schedule an Appointment at Twin Aspen Dental Center

The connection between your oral and overall health might seem minor until issues like gum disease impact your heart’s condition, diabetes risk, and other threats to your livelihood. Twin Aspen Dental Center is ready and willing to keep your teeth, gums, and general oral health in the best possible shape with our comprehensive dental services. We can resolve cavities and other damage with fillings and crowns, apply veneers for a perfect smile, or provide emergency dentistry whenever a sudden oral concern arises. You can trust us to cover your entire family’s dental care needs. Reach out to us today to schedule your next dental visit at our office.