Oral health goes beyond tooth decay, bad breath and painful toothaches. Studies show that oral diseases increase your risk for serious disorders like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay as outlined on westsidedentalgr.com is a diet-related disease that has far-reaching repercussions for your health. It begins when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar from foods and drinks and produce acid that attacks tooth surfaces, eventually leading to cavities being formed on them and pain being felt due to infected or decayed enamel. For optimal prevention, brushing and flossing regularly, eating healthily, and visiting a dentist regularly should all help ensure healthy teeth.
Poor oral health can have detrimental repercussions for mental wellbeing. People living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder tend to employ unhealthy coping mechanisms which negatively impact their oral health – such as skipping meals or indulging in sugary snacks that lead to dental problems. Furthermore, such individuals tend to struggle focusing and sticking with routines which impede maintaining good oral hygiene practices.
Furthermore, bacteria found in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout other organs of the body, potentially leading to complications like heart disease, respiratory illnesses, diabetes and increasing your chance of stroke.
Attracting bacteria found in the mouth to your arteries may result in blockage that leads to reduced blood flow, potentially leading to heart attack in people living with coronary artery disease.
Tooth decay often appears on back teeth (molars and premolars), since their grooves, pits, and crannies trap food particles. Cavity-causing bacteria gradually break down enamel and dentin surfaces before reaching into inner tooth materials that expose nerves and blood vessels for full decaying effects – leading to toothaches in many cases.
Tooth decay can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to discomfort from hot and cold foods and beverages as well as inflammation in the gums, speech impairment and chewing issues. Left untreated it may even result in abscesses or loss of affected teeth – creating serious challenges at school for children who miss out on learning opportunities as they lose out socializing with classmates and friends.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease is an oral health concern caused by bacteria that eat away at gum tissue. Over time, this leads to plaque being formed, and then hardening into tartar or calculus (tartar). Left untreated, it may lead to tooth loss as well. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease which infiltrates tissues, ligaments and bones supporting your teeth – leaving these vulnerable structures exposed and susceptible to bone loss and gum separation which create pockets where bacteria hide – potentially leading to heart issues like stroke and atherosclerosis as well as respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Emphysema.
Good oral hygiene can help you ward off gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, in conjunction with dental visits, is all it takes to keep gums strong. Unfortunately, mental health issues may present obstacles.
Depression makes it challenging to keep up with everyday tasks – like brushing and flossing — which may contribute to gum disease. Attention disorders, like ADD/ADHD, may also hinder this effort by leading to you forgetting your routine or missing dental appointments altogether.
As individuals with severe mental illness are at a greater risk for homelessness and poverty, their oral health may suffer further. Smoking or using illicit substances can contribute to gum disease and cancer development in this population.
No matter its source, stress can cause your body to release cortisol – a hormone which lowers immunity and makes fighting infections harder. Studies have also indicated that those living with periodontitis are at a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis due to bacteria associated with periodontitis entering their bloodstream and creating widespread inflammation throughout your body. Although further research needs to be completed in this regard, it’s crucial that any symptoms related to periodontitis or cardiovascular disease be addressed quickly so both conditions can be addressed simultaneously.
Gingivitis
When considering changes to improve one’s lifestyle, exercise and eating more fruits and vegetables are likely at the forefront. But taking care with your teeth and gums could also have an enormous effect on your wellbeing – gum disease starting with gingivitis is a serious dental condition which can result in more than bad breath or toothache – studies have linked gum disease with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and more!
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is caused by an accumulation of plaque bacteria. When in contact with gum tissue, these bacteria cause irritation which leads to inflammation and discoloration of tissue. Left untreated, gingivitis may progress into periodontitis – which leads to receding gums, bone loss and loosening or falling out of your mouth altogether.
Gingivitis can be reversed with good oral care practices and regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist. If you are at risk of gingivitis, brush at least twice daily for two minutes using toothpaste with fluoride that has been proven to reduce its symptoms; floss daily to reach hard-to-reach areas like between teeth or tongue grooves, where food particles and bacteria gather.
Apart from brushing and flossing, avoid smoking or chewing tobacco products and consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water to wash away food particles and bacteria buildup; parodontax may even be helpful in targeting bacteria you cannot reach with brushing and flossing alone.
While more research needs to be conducted, oral health has an enormous effect on overall well-being. Poor dental hygiene has been linked to many health issues that could reduce quality of life such as decreased quality of life, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc. To avoid gingivitis and other forms of gum disease altogether, take proper care of both your teeth and gums as well as visiting a dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
Mouth Cancer
Mouth cancer occurs when a tumor develops in any part of the mouth – including tongue, gums, cheek and lips – including tongue, gums, cheeks or lips. Sometimes cancerous growths spread to lymph nodes or even further away parts of the body. Receiving regular dental check-ups will help detect early warning signs for mouth cancer; be sure to notify an oral healthcare professional if any unusual lumps or ulcers appear as soon as possible.
Poor oral health can have an immense negative impact on quality of life and emotional well-being, as it may impact everything from self-esteem and social interactions to being able to eat, speak and chew food properly. Studies have demonstrated that those with good oral health tend to live happier lives overall.
Treatment for mouth cancer typically entails surgery to remove the tumor, followed by radiation therapy to eradicate any remaining cancerous cells. Chemotherapy may also be employed if cancer has spread widely or there is an increased risk of it returning.
As it’s important to remember that treating mouth cancer may lead to dental complications, it’s wise to visit your dentist regularly and inform them if any concerns arise. Furthermore, it is highly advised that a comprehensive mouth examination be completed every month prior to starting any cancer treatments.
Poor oral health can increase your risk for other serious health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV infection and chronic thyroid or anemia-related issues. A study by Paula Sanchez at Western Sydney University suggests that oral health serves as an indicator for overall physical wellbeing, connecting to numerous health concerns.
Oral health can have an enormous effect on your overall wellbeing. It plays an essential part of overall wellness, having an effect on mood, relationships and lifestyle choices – with some effort you can improve oral hygiene to have a significant positive influence on well-being!