When people think about maintaining their health, they often focus on diet, exercise, and regular medical checkups. However, oral health is an equally important yet often overlooked component. Surprisingly, the health of your mouth is intricately connected to your overall well-being. Good oral hygiene doesn't just prevent cavities and bad breath, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding your entire body against a host of health issues. To help us understand more about this connection, we sat down with Dr. Josh Liu from Expat Dental.
What diseases are linked to oral health?
An increasing body of research highlights the profound connection between oral hygiene and systemic health.
Heart disease: Individuals with periodontal disease are 25% more likely to develop heart disease
Diabetes: Poor oral health is linked to a 30% increase in the risk of developing diabetes
Infections: Oral infections are associated with a 20% higher risk of respiratory infections
Stroke: People with gum disease have a 2-3 times higher risk of having a stroke
Dementia: Individuals with poor oral health have a 50% higher risk of developing dementia
"What we're beginning to uncover is that our mouths are mirrors reflecting the state of our entire body—the majority of systemic diseases have oral manifestations." says Dr Josh, Dentist at Expat Dental in Singapore. "This is why we learn as much as we can about a patient's overall health during dental check-ups."
Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body
Many people think of the mouth as just where digestion begins, but it's also a gateway to the rest of your body. This gateway holds over 700 types of bacteria! Most of these bacteria can be harmless or helpful. However, if your oral microbiome gets out of balance due to a poor diet, lack of oral hygiene, or health issues, damage to the tiny blood vessels in your gums can allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified periodontal disease as one of the most common oral diseases worldwide, affecting between 20% and 50% of the global population.
"Once that harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums, it can really go anywhere." says Dr Josh. "Although the body has many systems in place to fight these bugs, maintaining your oral health is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to limit harmful bacteria from entering your body."
Tips for better oral health
By incorporating simple daily habits and making mindful lifestyle choices, you can significantly improve your oral hygiene and, consequently, your general health. This is particularly important for populations who are at greater risk for developing gum disease, such as children and adolescents, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Here are some simple ways you can help protect your oral and overall health:
Choose a comprehensive dental provider - When choosing a dentist, ask about their approach to whole-body health, personalized care, and treatments.
Practicing good oral hygiene - Brush teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit the dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.
Adopt a balanced diet - Nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products, can provide essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen teeth and gums while also supporting overall bodily functions.
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