There’s nothing like a healthy, happy smile. 

Good oral health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing. Without it, a person’s general quality of life and the ability to eat, speak and socialize is compromised, resulting in pain, discomfort and embarrassment.

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to maintain your wellness. You can keep your teeth for your lifetime. 

Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body?

There have even been links drawn between gum disease and heart disease, where the spread of bacteria or germs from our mouths have traveled to the heart through the bloodstream and attached themselves to valves and tissues inside it. 

The inflammatory response in the heart triggered by these bacteria can lead to damage to healthy tissue and blood vessels over a long period of time, which can increase the risk of heart-related problems like heart attacks and stroke. 

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

• Endocarditis. This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.

• Cardiovascular disease. Although the connection is not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

• Pregnancy and birth complications. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

• Pneumonia. Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:

• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer’s disease

Here are some things you can do to maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth. 

What Can You Do to Maintain Good Oral Health

• Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste. 
• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque. 
• Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures. 
• Do not use any tobacco products. If you smoke, quit.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.
• If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease. Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level. 
• If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition.

These small changes in your day can ensure you maintain your healthy smile (and heart!) for a lifetime of happy memories.

To ensure the healthiest smile, check our recommendations below! 

REFERENCES

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475

https://monashhealth.org/latest-news/2023/03/20/why-good-oral-hygiene-is-even-more-important-than-you-think/