Human anatomy is always a curious puzzle. But did you know that your questionable gut health, cardiovascular health, and even mental health are related to how you take care of your oral health? According to the American Dental Association, poor dental health may invite diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer's, kidney disease, and even depression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a concerning 47% of individuals under the age of 30 in the United States are currently grappling with gum disease. The mouth serves as an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, as it provides a dark, warm, and moist environment.
Our expert from the Dental Office in Flower Mound will delve into the connection between poor dental health and its impact on overall well-being. They will explain how dental health issues can be a contributing factor to the development of common health diseases. Let's go through them one by one.
Alzheimer's Disease
In the United States, one out of every ten people over the age of 65 experiences Alzheimer's disease. This brain condition makes people suffer from memory and other brain functions. Research published by Harvard Health has shown that the same bacteria found in gum disease are also found in Alzheimer's disease.
Heart Disease
In New York, one out of every five deaths is due to a heart attack. It might surprise you to learn that plaque can play a role in causing heart attacks. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque that makes the walls of arteries thicker, reducing blood flow throughout the body and raising the chances of heart disease, stroke, or blood clots.
Gut health issues
We've often heard about the gut-brain connection, but there's also a link between gut health and oral health. The human gut relies on the diverse microbiota present in the stomach for its proper functioning. However, when harmful bacteria in the mouth reach the gut and disrupt the balance of the good microbiota, it can lead to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers have discovered that people with IBS frequently have elevated levels of oral microbiota in their digestive tract.
Kidney Disease
Dentists at FloMo Dental have discovered occurrences of kidney disease in some of their patients. It turns out that chronic infections like cavities and gum disease can worsen kidney disease in individuals who already suffer from it. Did you know that a dental health examination is required as part of the kidney transplant evaluation process? Serious dental infections can potentially delay or even prevent approval for a kidney transplant.
Osteoporosis
There is one common link between bone health and oral health: calcium. However, it's a double-edged sword because weakened teeth and jawbones can be symptoms of osteoporosis. At the same time, osteoporosis can also trigger bone loss in the mouth.
Mental health illness
Out of all illnesses, this may come as a surprise to many, but severe oral health problems such as tooth decay, stained teeth, or gum disease are associated with a higher frequency of experiencing pain. There are chances that poor oral health can lead people to experience anxiety, low self-esteem, and, at times, worsening signs of depression due to multiple oral health issues.
The Bottom Line
The mouth isn't just the opening of the body; it also serves as a gateway to various health vulnerabilities and is, quite literally, a gatekeeper of diseases. Professional dentists at FloMo Dental advise their patients to visit the dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings at the dental office in Flower Mound, TX. These routine visits can significantly reduce the risk and intensity of these diseases.
