The teeth of the matter: How oral health affects overall health

Did you know that every time you visit your dentist, you’re taking a step that can improve overall health? It’s true! Having good oral health, also called dental health, plays a key role in keeping your entire body healthy.

Signs of health issues affecting your body can show up in your mouth, providing clues that you need to investigate the health of other areas in the body. Keep reading as the University Medical Center New Orleans team explains more.

The effects of poor oral health

What’s the connection between your oral health and your overall health? Having oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease, can affect your health in multiple ways.

For one, having poor oral health is associated with developing different types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. There’s also a known connection between periodontal disease and strokes.

Oral health problems can be particularly problematic during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes and low birth weight are associated with poor oral health.

Pneumonia can also be associated with bacteria from the mouth. When bacteria move into the lungs, it can cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Red flags for other conditions found in your mouth

On the flip side of the coin, conditions affecting other parts of the body can affect your oral health. In fact, symptoms of some medical conditions can show up in the mouth, affecting the gums, tongue and jaw, in particular.

Conditions that can cause symptoms in the mouth include:

• Alzheimer’s disease. It’s common for those who have Alzheimer’s disease to develop worsening oral health as the dementia progresses. There’s also a potential link between periodontal disease and the plaques responsible for Alzheimer’s.
• Diabetes. Diabetes can damage the immune system, limiting the body’s ability to fight off infections, including infections in the gums.
• HIV or AIDS. Oral health problems, such as lesions in the mouth, are common among those with HIV and AIDS.
• Osteoporosis. As osteoporosis weakens the bones, it can contribute to tooth loss.

Other medical conditions can also affect your oral health, particularly in advanced stages. Rheumatoid arthritis and eating disorders can all potentially affect the gums, teeth, tongue and jaw.

4 steps to better oral health

Following a few key tips can help keep your oral health—and your overall health—in tip-top shape.

1. Brush your teeth twice daily using a toothpaste containing fluoride. A quick brush and spit won’t do the trick. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes each time, touching all surfaces in the mouth.

2. Floss your teeth daily. While you can hit all the outer surfaces of your teeth when brushing, you can’t get to the surfaces between the teeth. That’s why flossing is important since it can remove particles that build up as you eat.

3. See the dentist regularly. You might not think of the dentist as an essential health provider, but you should. He or she can spot signs of medical problems during a routine dental exam, and dental cleanings provide a higher quality level of plaque removal than your daily brushing does.

4. Choose your foods wisely. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, which can contribute to oral health problems. Fill your plate with lots of vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water to protect your teeth and mouth.

Your primary care provider and dentist both help keep your oral health and overall health at their best. Schedule a primary care appointment at University Medical Center New Orleans today!