The Mouth Body Connection to Your Overall Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults in the United States has untreated tooth decay and over 45% of adults aged 30 or older have signs of gum disease.

These statistics show how important dental hygiene and regular appointments are, not only for your oral but also overall health. Gum inflammation, tooth decay, bad breath, and dry mouth are just some of the many indicators of an underlying health issue in the body.

In the most severe cases, gum disease and tooth bone loss may lead to serious heart problems, osteoporosis, and some forms of cancer.

Read on to learn how your teeth and gums are related to your overall health and what problems you should watch out for.

Gums

Gums are one of the first indicators of health problems. Healthy gums are light pink in color and have a smooth surface. Any swelling, discoloration or bleeding is a sign of gum problems, the most common being gum disease or periodontal disease.

This is due to plaque buildup, but also by inflammation somewhere in the body. In some cases, gum disease may lead to heart problems and be a symptom of diabetes. Regular dental checkups, oral hygiene, and removing the plaque can help prevent further problems.

Tooth Decay and Cavities

Tooth decay and cavities are a direct result of the food you consume and the level of your dental hygiene. The bacteria causing tooth decay may also be the reason for heart problems such as clogged arteries, endocarditis, and even stroke.

If your dentist concludes that your teeth damage is beyond repair, you can get all on four dental implants instead of replacing each tooth individually.

Saliva

Your saliva is one of the best indicators of teeth problems and your overall health. Through lab tests, the saliva can uncover a variety of conditions like osteoporosis, HIV, hormonal imbalance, and the presence of drugs and environmental toxins.

Bacteria in the saliva can be harmful to the teeth and may contribute to cavities and gum disease. It’s important to practice proper dental hygiene to prevent these problems.

Mouth Infections

Tooth decay is the most common form of bacterial infection, closely followed by dental plaque, oral thrush (caused by Candida overgrowth), cold sores (viral infection), and receding gums (periodontitis).

Sometimes, mouth infections can be a symptom of an infection somewhere else in the body, like in the example of Candida. This fungal infection can begin in the gut and if not treated properly, it can spread all the way to the mouth.

Your Gums and Teeth Health Are Closely Related To Your Overall Health!

The human body is an incredible machine where everything is connected and intertwined. Your oral and gum health can be related to other health problems, and prevention is often the best cure.

Proper dental hygiene and taking good care of your pearly whites is key to a beautiful smile and healthy mouth.

Need more tips on finding the best dental hygiene routine for you? Read these tips to learn how to keep your gums and teeth healthy and have a sparkling white smile.