When you think of the benefits of dental health, you probably focus on the benefits evident in your mouth, from cleaner, whiter teeth to fewer cavities and stronger gum tissue. In reality, however, the state of your dental health can have profound effects on many other physical systems.
Once you see the links between dental or oral diseases and specific organ systems, you'll understand the importance of keeping up your dental appointments, practicing proper home dental hygiene, and getting any dental problems treated promptly. Take a look at four parts of your body that stand to benefit.
1. Your Lungs
You might never think to connect your dental health to your respiratory health. Bear in mind, however, that a diseased or improperly cleaned mouth most likely harbors unhealthy bacteria. When you inhale, you draw in air past this bacteria, potentially sending tiny droplets of bacteria-packed saliva into your lungs.
While most people's immune systems may have the strength to protect the lungs against invading bacteria, people who struggle with immune disorders (or who take medications that suppress immune function) may get lung infections. People with existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, may find their symptoms getting worse.
2. Your Heart
The same oral bacteria that can invade your lungs may also invade your heart, with the main difference lying in the means of travel. Your teeth, gums, and jaw all share a network of blood vessels connected to your larger circulatory system. Oral bacteria can hitch a ride through the bloodstream until they end up in the heart.
Once the bacteria has entered the heart, it can trigger inflammation of the heart's external lining, a condition known as endocarditis, while also damaging the heart valves. Thankfully, this scenario rarely occurs. Even so, if you have a known heart condition, you may have an elevated risk that makes preventive care especially valuable.
3. Your Blood Vessels
As oral bacteria makes its way from the gums or teeth to the heart, it can also have some unwelcome effects on your blood vessels. Research suggests that the resulting inflammation can encourage cholesterol depots to build up along blood vessel walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis can cause blockages in blood flow, potentially raising stroke risk. A study of 265 stroke patients found that patients with gum disease experienced certain types of stroke two to three times more common than those who didn't have gum disease.
Even among individuals who haven't suffered a stroke, researchers have seen links between gingivitis (the inflammatory gum problem that can progress to periodontal disease) and arterial plaque buildup. You can therefore minimize your risk for hardening of the arteries simply by avoiding or treating any gum inflammation right away.
4. Your Brain
Untreated dental problems can have an effect on brain health. Medical researchers have noted apparent links between periodontal disease
(infection and inflammation of the gum pockets around the teeth) with cognitive problems such as impaired mathematical skills and memory. Fortunately, your dentist can treat periodontal disease.
Very rarely, an abscess in the upper jaw may eventually reach the brain, producing symptoms such as headaches, chills, fever, vision problems, nausea, vomiting, and seizure. Although most people will never experience this issue, you should always get a dental infection or abscess treated early to eliminate any such risks.
If you want to do your entire body a lifelong favor, leave your dental health and wellness to the experts at Family Dental Care of Wilmington. We can perform regular evaluations, professional cleanings, and treatment as needed to help you stay in optimal shape for years to come. Contact us today.
