By Osowade Babalola Oluwatobi & Onaopemipo Opeodu
Your mouth is often called the gateway to the body. It extends beyond the aesthetics of white teeth and a nice smile. In the first article on this topic, the connection between your oral health and the health of your whole body was established. Specifically, the link between the teeth and the heart.
The consequences of poor oral health include:
- Tooth pain
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Tooth loss eventually creates difficulties with chewing and reduced confidence and insecurity because of one's appearance.
These consequences of poor oral health eventually lead to chronic infections and inflammation in the mouth. The body’s immune system becomes affected and the individual is put at risk of other health problems.
Research has shown that poor oral health is detrimental to the body and it's effect is not limited to the mouth. It has been linked to several other systemic diseases such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Neurodegenerative diseases (e.g Alzheimer's disease)
- Cardiovascular diseases & Stroke
- Complications during pregnancy
Oral Health & Diabetes
One of the commonest connections in oral–systemic health is the link between oral health and diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. This results in persistently high blood sugar levels.
The mouth naturally is a habitat for different bacteria. These bacteria are the natural flora of the mouth but if there is an imbalance, they cause problems. In individuals living with diabetes, the sugar level in saliva is also increased. This provides more nutrients for bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease when proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
Another important factor is delayed wound healing. In diabetes, wounds do not heal as quickly as they should. This makes it easier for gum infections to persist and become chronic. Over time, these infections can worsen and contribute to inflammation in other parts of the body.
Interestingly, the relationship between diabetes and oral health is bidirectional. While diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, severe gum disease can also make it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels. This leads to poorer blood sugar control and further complicates the management of diabetes.
Oral Health & Respiratory Diseases
When an individual has gum disease, there is already an ongoing inflammatory process in the body. This can worsen existing lung conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition, bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, especially in vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or hospitalized patients. These bacteria can contribute to infections such as pneumonia.
This highlights the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, particularly in individuals with underlying respiratory conditions. There is also a bidirectional relationship between respiratory diseases and oral health. Some of the medications used for lung diseases can cause dry mouth and increase the risk of gum diseases.
Oral Health and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research has also suggested a link between oral bacteria and neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are complex and influenced by multiple factors. Chronic inflammation caused by poor oral health may play a role in their development or progression. Some studies have identified oral bacteria in brain tissues of affected individuals, suggesting a possible connection.
However, more research is still needed. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to reduce one of the many risk factors associated with these conditions.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an important period where oral health plays a significant role. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum inflammation, commonly referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease in pregnancy has been associated with complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. This is thought to occur due to inflammatory substances and bacteria entering the bloodstream and affecting the developing baby.
Morning sickness and frequent cravings also pose a challenge to maintaining good oral hygiene in pregnancy.
For individuals living with systemic conditions:
If you have diabetes, aim for good blood sugar control and pay close attention to your gums.
If you have respiratory conditions, ensure you maintain good oral hygiene so as to reduce the risk of infections.
If you are pregnant, follow the Two Times rule and do not skip your dental appointments. Your oral care is part of antenatal care.
For individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, caregivers can assist with daily oral hygiene where necessary.
For the elderly, ensure that you brush twice daily and visit your dentist regularly.
Your mouth is not separate from the rest of your body, it is deeply connected to it. Good oral health goes beyond having a bright smile; it plays a crucial role in your overall well-being.
If you notice changes in your mouth, visit the dentist promptly instead of using home remedies. By taking care of your mouth, you are also taking an important step toward protecting your general health.
Remember, a happy—and healthy—mouth is a happy life.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-oral-health.html
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3084574/
https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/dental-health.pdf