Oral Health
Your mouth is just not a place where food is placed, it is the ‘gateway’ to your general health. Problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body. Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. The mouth is the entry point to the digestive and respiratory system. Germs are generally harmless, but sometimes germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body. A study has shown that while losing teeth can cause facial structure changes that make you look older, tooth loss is also associated with a shorter lifespan. Evidence shows that people who have all or most of their natural teeth at age 70 live longer than those with fewer than 20 of their natural teeth left.
Most often the body’s defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Ways to help promote a healthy mouth: (a) brush your teeth at least twice a day, use a brush with soft bristles and brush your tongue also; (b) clean between your teeth daily with floss or a water flosser; (c) eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and acidy drinks, limit/omit tobacco and limit alcohol, and; (d) replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if bristles are worn or flared out.
Oral germs cause oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, which is linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, which can lower the body’s ability to fight infection and gum disease. It also makes it harder to control blood sugar, making oral health problems worse. Good dental health is crucial to being able to eat and speak. Without healthy teeth, chewing can be painful or even impossible, causing a limit to dietary choices, and possibly causing malnutrition to some degree, which can affect your general health.
Studies have shown some medical conditions can be linked to oral health: (a) Endocarditis – an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. It most often happens when germs from the mouth spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart, like “strep throat.” It is rare but can be fatal. (b) Cardiovascular disease/heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause; and (c) Upper respiratory infections – certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs, i.e., pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Certain health conditions also might affect oral health including diabetes, making the body less able to fight infection and putting the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and is more serious in people who have diabetes. Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjögren’s syndrome.
Tell your dentist about any changes in your overall health including recent illnesses or any ongoing medical conditions AND all medicines you take. Certain medications like antidepressants and antianxiety medications can cause dry mouth, increasing risk of tooth decay. Additionally, stress may contribute to teeth grinding (or bruxism) or clenching, cold sores, canker sores, osteoporosis and Paget’s disease (chronic bone disorder). Antiresorptive agents/bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, and Boniva) and denosumab (Prolia), are drugs that slows bone loss and can influence dental treatment decisions, because these medications have been associated with a rare but serious condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which can damage the jawbone. Although it can occur spontaneously, ONJ more commonly occurs following surgical dental procedures such as extracting a tooth or implant placement. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking antiresorptive agents so they can take that into account when developing your treatment plan. Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acid/germs in the mouth in balance. This helps keep germs from spreading and causing disease. Studies have shown also that stress reduces the flow of saliva which in turn can contribute to dental plaque formation. Stress also creates a hormone in the body called cortisol. Spikes in this hormone can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to developing periodontal disease.
See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.
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