There’s a significant connection between the health of your mouth and the rest of your body. Various symptoms across your system could lead back to your oral health as the cause. So, the more you take care of your dental health, the more grateful the rest of your body will be. Let’s explore this mouth-body connection to help you understand your body better.
Your Mouth Connects Your Body to the World
Every human body is a miracle of teamwork between various parts. The food you chew goes to your stomach. The nerve you pinch in your neck hurts in your shoulder. Our entire system is more connected than you think.
There’s more to your mouth’s function than eating and talking. This part of your body is the most accessible area between the world and you. An entire ecosystem of bacteria protects you from the harmful elements outside. This bacteria can keep you safe.
But, you also need to take care of it. If you let the bacteria develop in your mouth without control, you may be putting your life at risk.
Gum Disease: When Your Mouth Causes Problems for Your Body
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious gum infection. The cause of this condition is usually poor dental hygiene. With regular and correct brushing, gum disease is preventable.
Milder forms of gum disease are completely treatable. However, if left untreated, your teeth could become loose and fall out. But, your oral health isn’t the only part of your body that suffers when you have gum disease.
Studies suggest that gum disease may contribute to or be a warning sign of potentially life-threatening conditions.
Illnesses and Conditions Commonly Linked to Oral Health
Oral Health and Heart Disease
As the level of gum disease increases, the risk of cardiovascular disease may increase with it. Inflammation in your gums may create a chronic inflammation response in other parts of your body. This is clear proof of the mouth-body connection. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of heart disease.
Oral Health and Stroke
Strokes happen when the blood vessels in your brain get clogged or burst. Inadequate blood supply to your brain is a severe and life-threatening problem.
Studies have shown that gum disease can block your arteries. This increases the risk of stroke as well. However, the same study proved that treating gum disease could help prevent strokes as well.
Oral Health and Diabetes
People with diabetes often have some form of gum disease. According to the CDC, this is most likely because of the high blood glucose levels. People with diabetes need to take extra care to ensure proper brushing and flossing
Oral Health and Pregnancy
There is a lot of connection between the mouth and the body of pregnant women. It’s crucial to take care of your dental health when you’re expecting. Poor dental hygiene could affect the unborn child much more than you think.
Babies born prematurely – before 37 weeks of gestation – may face numerous health complications. Research indicates that women with periodontal disease are three to five times more likely to have a baby born preterm compared to women without any form of gum disease.
What Can You Do to Help Your Mouth-Body Connection
Brush and Floss Regularly
The best and easiest thing you can do to avoid dental health problems is to brush your teeth and floss. Proper dental hygiene prevents a range of diseases. Make sure you use correct brushing and flossing techniques, and you commit to your dental hygiene every day.
Practice Yoga
Perhaps it’s surprising, but yoga has more benefits than improved flexibility and mental health. It’s also great for your teeth.
Yoga decreases stress, which prevents bruxism from ruining your teeth and jaw. It gives you better posture, something your back and bite will thank you for. Yoga also stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away harmful bacteria.
Best of all, even a short 10-minute yoga routine can unlock these incredible dental health benefits.
Visit Your Dentist Often
It’s also crucial that you visit a dentist regularly. Only a trained dentist can accurately notice and diagnose the connection between your mouth and body symptoms. That’s the best way to avoid these severe conditions. For expert advice and treatment for gum disease, visit your favorite New York City dentist.
Advanced Dental Arts serves patients in the Greenwich Village and Manhattan area. Turn to us with any dental issue you have with confidence. To assure you’re doing everything for your health, book an appointment with us today!
