Oral health has been considered a window to the general health of your body for centuries. This is why all different cultures of the world emphasize good oral health and hygiene irrespective of food habits and lifestyles. 

Today science has proven this ancient wisdom through several studies. 

Good overall health can keep a check on other chronic inflammatory diseases. In the same way, bad overall health can be a symptom of not only poor oral care but also compromised health of internal organs such as the heart, liver, etc. 

The story of Joanne Maglares is scary and eye-opening. When she thought she was suffering from normal tooth fractures and periodontal diseases, she was actually diagnosed with high blood pressure anemia and poor heart health, just by inspection of her mouth. 

There are several such incidents that prove the claim that oral health is a window to one’s general health. 

Curious to know how keeping your mouth healthy and hygienic can have a link with your whole body and its functioning? 

Keep reading! 

How is it connected? 

Being the entry point for nutrition and the point where digestion starts, the mouth plays a very important role in the metabolism process. With enzymes that break down food into various nutritional molecules right in your mouth, the proper functioning of these enzymes is key to the consecutive metabolic steps. 

To aid these enzymes, your mouth is home to different types of bacteria. Good bacteria facilitate good digestion, and bad bacteria act as a friction-causing step. 

Simple oral care habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing, cleaning the tongue, etc., can aid the presence of good bacteria and eliminate bad bacteria. 

This is one of the most primitive ways how oral health can be a gateway to your overall health. 

Researchers have concluded through various studies that gum disease is linked to a host of illnesses such as heart disease, bone abnormalities, arthritis, diabetes, etc. 

Just as the mouth acts as the entry point for nutrition, it can also be an entry point for an infection that can cause inflammation immediately and then lead to other health problems in various organs such as the heart, liver, etc. 

This synergistic relationship between the mouth and the body is not one way. It is described as a reciprocal relationship where good oral health leads to the proper functioning of internal organs, and a healthy body reduces the risk of oral diseases. 

Shocking conditions that have a direct link with oral health 

You will be shocked to see the seriousness of the conditions that have a direct link with oral health. Let us see some of the conditions that have a direct link with oral health. 

1. Endocarditis – 

Endocarditis is an infection that occurs in the inner lining of the heart due to toxins. 

These toxins come here in the form of germs (bad bacteria) from other parts of the body, and in most cases, it is the mouth. 

These bacteria make use of the bloodstream to travel to these places and harm them internally. 

This scientific paper and several studies show how the endocarditis-causing bacteria is the same one that colonizes teeth in cases of poor oral care. 

This proves how important good oral care is in eliminating bad bacteria and eventually a serious heart disorder. The same can be said for other cardiovascular diseases, such as clogged arteries due to toxin buildup that starts in the mouth. 

1. Pregnancy 

Women are prone to gum diseases and cavities when they are pregnant. This is because of the physiological changes taking place in their bodies and also because of the supplements and medicines they take to aid a healthy pregnancy. 

A study shows that 60-75% of women develop Gingivitis during pregnancy. This is not a small number, and we need to be aware of such information for better mother and child care facilities. 

1. Pneumonia 

Pneumonia is caused by toxins and bacterial buildup in the lungs and parts of the respiratory tract. Since the mouth is closely associated with the respiratory tract, oral care immediately becomes very critical in this condition. 

The pneumonia-causing bacteria get entry into the body through plaque, tartar, or by getting mixed with saliva. All of which can be controlled and prevented by good dental hygiene. 

1. Diabetes 

People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease due to compromised immunity. And people with poor gum health have problems keeping a check on blood sugar levels. 

Such a reciprocal relationship is seen between diabetes and oral care. Research shows that prolonged gum diseases in mice led to an increase in insulin resistance and a negative change in glucose tolerance levels. 

1. Alzheimer’s 

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many people across the world today. A study shows exposure to periodontal bacteria that can cause gum diseases to lead to neuroinflammation and degeneration. 

This study concluded that oral infections might be a risk factor in developing Alzheimer’s.  

The reciprocal relationship between good oral care and postponing serious health conditions has been known for centuries in ancient societies, and hence the emphasis on good oral care has been around forever. 

Medical science has just confirmed such claims today. Good oral hygiene is not very difficult to develop, but the benefits of maintaining it are numerous. 

Most conditions arise due to inflammation, and inflammation depends on various factors but mostly on our hygiene practices which start with oral care. 

But how do you maintain such oral care with a busy lifestyle? 

Consult Dr. Berkers for all problems related to oral care and hygiene! 

At Dr. Berkers Family Dentistry, we provide custom treatment to all our patients keeping individual lifestyle habits and comfort and convenience in mind. 

Our team consists of 2 doctors, 4 dental hygienists, 4 dental assistants, 2 coordinators, and an office manager, all with professional experience and prioritizing customer satisfaction above all. 

We provide cosmetic, diagnostic or preventative, endodontic and periodontal, drill-less, and reconstructive dental services by professionals. 

To know more about us and our services, click here.