What Oral Health Tells about Our Health

Can mouth bacteria affect the heart?

Some studies suggest that people with gum disease are more prone to have heart disease than people with normal gums. Although researchers are not sure about it. Gum disease is not proven to cause other diseases. However, it makes sense to take care of our gums as we take care of our body.

Gum disease and diabetes

Diabetes can reduce the body's resistance against infections. Elevated blood sugar levels increases the risk of gum disease and gum disease make it harder to control the elevated sugar levels.

Dry Mouth and Tongue Cause Tooth Decay

Saliva help protect gums and teeth from bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis. Sjogren's syndrome is a condition in which the autoimmune system of body mistakenly attack the tear duct of eyes and salivary glands resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth (xerostomia). People with this problem are more prone to have oral health problems. Some drugs may also cause dryness of mouth. These include antihistamines, painkillers, antidepressants and decongestants.

Stress and Oral Health

People who are stressed, anxious or depressed are more prone to develop oral health problems. Their bodies produce a hormone called cortisol in increased amounts. The increased levels of this hormone wreak havoc to the gums and bodies of the patient. Stress itself also leads to poor oral health; 50% of stressed patient do not brush or floss.

Osteoporosis and Teeth

Osteoporosis is a condition in which there is loss of bone density and bone become brittle. This condition can affect all bone of body -- including jaw bone -- and can lead to loss of teeth.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect oral health along with general health. Bulimia nervosa is a condition in which the patient regularly binge-eats and then tries to compensate for that behavior by overexercising and by purging ( by vomiting or by taking laxatives). The stomach acid from repeated vomiting can seriously erode the tooth enamel. Purging can also trigger swelling in the mouth, throat and salivary glands as well as bad breath. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia can also lead to sever nutritional deficiencies which may also lead to bad oral health.

HIV and Thrush

People with HIV or AIDS may develop oral thrush (fungal infection of mouth), oral warts, fever blisters, canker sores (small painful ulcer on the inside of mouth,lips or throat), and hairy leukoplakia, which are white or grey patches on the tongue or inside of cheek. These people may also experience dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and can make eating, chewing, swallowing and talking difficult. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Oral Health

People with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) are eight time more likely to have gum disease than people without this autoimmune disease. Inflammation may be the common denominator among two. Making matters worse people with RA may have difficulty brushing and flossing their teeth because of damage to finger joints. The good news is that treating existing inflammation and infection of the gums can also reduce the pain and inflammation of the joints. 

Kidney Disease and Oral Health

Adults without teeth are more prone to have kidney disease than adults who have teeth. Exact relationship is not clear, but inflammation and infection are blamed So taking care of teeth and gum may reduce the risk of getting kidney disease.. 

Oral Health and Pregnancy

Babies delivered to women who do not have teeth or have gum disease are of low birth weight and premature. Exact relationship is not clear, but inflammation may be the cause. Pregnancy and its related hormonal changes also appear to worsen the existing gum disease.

What Healthy Gums Look Like

Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen. To keep gums healthy, practice good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco. See the dentist regularly.