Oral Health is Linked to

Overall Health

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Takinggood care of your mouth, teeth and gums is a worthy goal in and of itself. Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease—and can help you keep your teeth as you get older.

Researchers are also discovering new reasons to brush and floss. A healthy mouth may help you ward off medical disorders. The flip side? An unhealthy mouth, especially if you have gum disease, may increase your risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes and preterm labor.

Studies also suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease — might play a role in some diseases. 

Your Mouth - Gateway to your

Body

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1. Oral Health & Diabetes

Theworking relationship between diabetes and periodontitis may be the strongest of all the connections between the mouth and body. Inflammation that starts in the mouth seems to weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar. People with diabetes have trouble processing sugar because of a lack of insulin, the hormone that converts sugar into energy.

Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.

1. Oral Health & Diabetes

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2. Oral Health & Heart Disease

Someresearch suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

Though the reasons are not fully understood, it’s clear that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patientswith heartdisease have periodontitis, compared to 66% of people withno heartdisease. The two conditions have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. 

2. Oral Health & Heart Disease

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3. Oral Health & Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis— which causes bones to become weak and brittle — might be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.

When you have rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, you probably know all too well about the pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints that come with the condition. But you might not know that RA also brings a greater likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. 

Gum disease is quite common in the general population, but it's even more prevalent among people with RA. Bacteria in the mouth form plaque, or build up on the teeth, that irritates the gums and causes gum disease called gingivitis. If not treated properly by your dentist, gingivitis can progress to the more serious periodontitis, which can lead to tooth and gum decay. 

3. Oral Health & Osteoporosis

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4. Oral Health & Pregnancy

Babiesborn too early or at a low birth weight often have significant health problems, including lung conditions, heart conditions, and learning disorders. While many factors can contribute to premature or low birth weight deliveries, researchers are looking at the possible role of gum disease. Infection and inflammation in general seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.

Though men have periodontitis more often than women do, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk. 

4. Oral Health & Pregnancy

5. Oral Health & Respiratory

Disease

Periodontaldisease may make pneumonia andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the amount of bacteria in the lungs.

5. Oral Health & Respiratory

Disease

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.Flossdaily -Flossing is a significant part

of daily oral care. Healthbuddy dental floss pick provides a total clean to the teeth with an easy-to-use design which makes it more user-friendly. It helps in removing plaque and food particles between theteeth.

Eata healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.

Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.

Schedule regular dental checkups.

How Can you Protect Your Oral

Health