Keeping your teeth strong and your gums healthy does more than create a pretty smile and get rid of bad breath. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. When your mouth is healthy, it helps the rest of you stay healthy.
Practicing good oral hygiene prevents gum disease and tooth decay. It also reduces bacteria and inflammation in your body, lowering your risk of chronic disease and other health issues.
How oral hygiene affects your health
Ignoring your oral hygiene might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s more significant than you may think. The problems start small but worsen over time:
- Plaque buildup: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth if they aren't regularly brushed, flossed and professionally cleaned.
- Tartar: Over time, plaque hardens to form tartar, which is difficult to remove and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Gingivitis: This first stage of gum disease is reversible and causes inflamed, red and irritated gums that bleed easily.
- Periodontitis (gum disease): Gum disease ranges from mild to severe. If left untreated, it can destroy the soft tissue and bones that support your teeth.
However, what happens in your mouth doesn't necessarily stay in your mouth. Harmful bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream and cause issues in other parts of your body. Research shows that many people living with chronic health conditions often have untreated oral diseases.
Poor oral health is associated with several health conditions, including:
Diabetes
There is a close connection between gum disease and diabetes. The common thread is inflammation.
Severe gum disease causes ongoing inflammation throughout your body. That inflammation can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. Inflammation can affect:
- Insulin: Your body does not respond well to insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar — which causes blood sugar levels to increase.
- Glucose: Your body cannot properly use glucose (blood sugar), making it hard to lower your blood sugar level.
The connection between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways. Having gum disease increases your risk for diabetes. However, people who have diabetes are 3 times more likely to develop gum disease. Experts estimate that 95% of people with diabetes also have periodontitis. If you have diabetes, take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.
Heart disease
Gum disease does not directly cause heart disease. However, the chronic inflammation caused by gum disease can affect heart health. The combination of inflammation and oral bacteria in the bloodstream can eventually lead to:
- Blood vessel damage and disease
- Clogged arteries
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Infections of the heart lining
- Stroke
Experts also believe that the association between heart disease and gum disease may stem from their common risk factors, such as smoking and an unhealthy diet.
Cognitive decline and dementia
Researchers have identified a connection between the number of teeth lost, dental checkups and cognitive decline. Middle-aged people with poor oral hygiene who have lost teeth and don't see a dentist regularly are twice as likely to develop dementia. Poor oral health more than doubles your risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Experts think the chronic inflammation caused by gum disease may increase the risk of dementia. Bacteria traveling from the mouth to the brain may also play a role.
Mental health issues
When your mouth isn't healthy, it can affect eating, speech and self-esteem. If bad oral hygiene keeps you from interacting socially, it can lead to or worsen depression and anxiety. Dental visits and care can also trigger anxiety.
Poor mental health may also increase your risk of gum disease. If your mental health affects your eating habits and nutrition, the health of your teeth and gums may suffer. Mental health issues can also affect your ability and motivation to take proper care of your mouth.
High-risk pregnancy
Premature delivery and low birth weights have been associated with gum disease. Research shows that pregnant women with gum disease may be 6 times more likely to give birth prematurely. Bacteria typically found in the mouth has been found in the amniotic fluid, placenta and membranes of preterm babies.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy make you more likely to develop gum disease and cavities. Experts estimate that 60% to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis. If you’re pregnant (or planning to get pregnant), get regular cleanings and dental checkups.
Mouth care tips to boost overall wellness
To keep your gums and teeth in tiptop shape, adopt good oral hygiene habits:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, which will strengthen the hard outer surface on your teeth.
- Sharpen your brushing skills by using small, soft circles. Remember to brush the back of your teeth and tongue.
- Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or a water flosser.
- Visit the dentist once (ideally twice) yearly for routine checkups and professional cleaning.
- Don't smoke, which increases your risk of gum disease.
- Eat a healthy diet, limited in sugary foods and rich in calcium to protect your teeth.
Every time you brush or floss your teeth, you are taking a step toward better health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy and can find any problems early on, when they are easier to treat.
If you want help making lifestyle changes that will improve your oral health, talk to your doctor or make an appointment with a dentist. Medi-Cal members can find support by visiting Smile, California. They can help you get your mouth back to a healthy place and give you something to smile about.
Contact us
Find a doctor at MLK Community Healthcare or call (424) 529-6755 today to make an appointment.