More Than Just a Pretty Smile – How Oral Hygiene Affects Overall Health

While being the primary pathway into the body, the mouth is also the ideal home for germs and bacteria (both good and bad). On average, there are around six million types of bacteria living in every person’s mouth. Most are harmless, but if oral hygiene is neglected, some issues can arise. Due to the warm and moist environment of the mouth, bacteria can easily multiply beyond control and spread throughout the body and bloodstream causing harmful effects. For example, respiratory conditions such as pneumonia that can affect breathing are caused when harmful bacteria from the mouth enter the lungs. 

In addition to the spread of bacteria, oral inflammation associated with gum disease may be linked to health complications within other body systems. Heart diseases such as endocarditis (infection of the inner heart lining) and clogged arteries or valves may be associated with dental/oral infection. There’s also been a reported link between a gum disease called periodontitis and pregnancy/birth complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Additionally, oral health complications have been associated with declines in brain health and issues such as strokes due to bleeding in the brain from cavities. A longitudinal study was done over a period of 30 years by researchers who observed 6,506 individuals without stroke. After the first 15 years, the researchers found that the individuals who had developed cavities had a slightly greater risk of suffering from a stroke, and after 15 more years, the chances of having a stroke from a brain bleed increased significantly. Lastly, some diseases that we typically associate with our bodies’ health can affect and worsen oral health, making it harder to prevent gum disease and causing a cycle of issues. Diabetes causes a heightened risk of this cycle, but other diseases that can affect oral health include some cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.

Now that we’ve seen how our oral health can affect our overall health, here’s a quick reminder of how we can keep our mouths healthy. One of the best ways to maintain good oral hygiene is to keep bacterial growth minimal. This can be achieved through healthy daily lifestyle habits. Daily habits include brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice a day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste to clean plaque and bacteria buildup off your teeth. Additionally, a flossing device such as a water flosser or regular string floss should be used at least once a day to prevent gum disease. Healthy lifestyle habits to promote dental hygiene include avoiding tobacco use, eating a healthy diet, limiting sugary food and drinks to prevent cavities, and seeing a dentist for regular cleanings every six months. Overall, it’s clear that dental hygiene and health are far deeper than having white teeth and minty breath. When not tended to, poor oral health can lead to serious and even life-threatening health issues throughout the body systems. 

The mouth and teeth are very important parts of our day-to-day life, and we each only get one set, so try to remember to take great care of them. Healthy smiles lead to happy hearts!