Oral health and overall wellbeing: what’s the connection?

You don’t have to delve too deeply to start understanding how profoundly interconnected general health and oral health can be.

Gum disease is the world’s most common inflammatory condition – it’s one our hygienists and dentists treat every day – and there’s a proven link between gum disease and other conditions including respiratory issues, heart disease and diabetes. It’s a fascinating example of how oral health conditions often mirror or signpost what’s going on elsewhere throughout the body.

Indeed, diabetes and gum disease often go hand in hand. Oral health professionals and scientists focusing on diabetes research have long established a direct link between the two conditions, and have noted how when diabetes is treated, gum disease and its symptoms are often significantly reduced.

Brushing and flossing daily, which are the foundations of proactive dental health care, are often enough to keep bacteria in check. When adequate oral hygiene isn’t maintained, bacteria growth on and between the teeth and gums can cause tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health concerns. Gum inflammation – a common symptom of gum disease – can then cause harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This in turn can lead to respiratory health problems, issues with organ function, and a range of other issues with overall wellbeing.

Exploring the link between oral health and overall health

Poor dental health can contribute to a range of other issues, including:

• Pneumonia and respiratory issues: Your mouth is the entry point to your body’s respiratory system. Harmful bacteria can quite easily find its way from your gums into your lungs, resulting in conditions such as pneumonia and associated complications.
• Cardiovascular disease: There’s still plenty of research to be done when it comes to understanding the link between oral health and heart disease. However, strokes, clogged arteries and poor heart health may be linked to inflammation and infections caused by bacteria on the teeth and gums.
• Endocarditis: The inner lining of the heart chambers and valves (the endocardium) can become infected by bacteria that is spread through the bloodstream via the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy issues: Dental sensitivity, tooth decay and inflamed gums are common issues experienced by pregnant people, who are advised to take extra steps to look after their oral health.

Spotting early signs of infection during dental check-ups

During your trip to one of our clinics, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to spot early warning signs of infection, disease or other health issues when examining your teeth and gums. From picking up on symptoms of gum disease to more serious health complications like oral cancer, it’s a key reason why visiting the dentist regularly is such an important aspect of self care.

The symptoms and health concerns your dentist or hygienist is most likely to notice include

• Gum inflammation. Inflamed, sensitive and bleeding gums are a common symptom of gum disease.
• Gum discolouration. Pale gums may be a sign of anaemia, and darker gums – even blackened gums – can suggest a wide range of more serious health issues.
• White patches and sores that are slow to heal. These may be symptoms of oral cancer.
• Tooth loss. Arthritis and similar rheumatic diseases are associated with tooth loss and gum disease.
• Dehydration. Saliva neutralises acids present in the mouth and helps flush away the buildup of bacteria. A dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay and loss of natural tooth enamel.
• Osteoporosis. Conditions like osteoporosis cause a reduction in bone density. When this affects the jaw bone and supporting structure of the teeth, this can cause oral health concerns and potential tooth loss.
• Diabetes. Progressive gum disease and chronic dry mouth are both symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
• Oral Cancer. Mouth, head and neck cancers affect over 760 people in Ireland each year.¹ Your dentist will be able to identify early warning signs of mouth and lip cancers at a routine check-up, which include symptoms such as loose teeth, ulcers and sores in the mouth, and red and white patches on the gums.

A holistic approach to oral health with Smiles Dental

Wellbeing goes beyond your oral health and physical health – it’s something that encompasses many aspects of your day-to-day life, including your mental health and reducing stress and anxiety.

We know that visiting the dentist is something that many people find stressful. At Smiles Dental, our dentists, hygienists, nurses and practice staff work hard to ensure every visit is as stress-free as possible, whether you’re in one of our clinics for a routine check-up or a treatment or procedure.

By committing to regular check-ups throughout the year, sticking to a reliable oral healthcare routine (which should always include brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice per day and flossing once per day), you can reduce the anxiety that often surrounds visiting your dentist.

Great dental health is key to excellent overall health, and we’re dedicated to ensure our patients and communities enjoy the benefits that holistic wellbeing and positive health habits bring.

Contact your nearest clinic

Reference

1. https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/mouth-head-and-neck-cancer

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