People who take proper hygiene measures to ensure their oral health is up to par may have fewer general health problems. Although many conditions, illnesses, and diseases are genetic, it is possible to combat others through proper oral hygiene. Understanding and applying the oral-systemic link can profoundly enhance a person's health and well-being.
Complete health dentistry is available at Bellevue Dental in Bellevue and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you learn more about the oral-general health connection.
Dental problems stemming from behavior, habit, and maintenance affect a person's oral health from birth to adulthood. Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine is crucial from the moment the first teeth erupt. A healthy routine for adult teeth consists of brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing daily, rinsing before and after meals, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
A variety of oral health conditions are primarily genetic and may be out of a person's control. In most cases, health conditions are a combination of genes and the environment. Oral conditions found to be genetic to some extent include periodontal disease, cavities and caries, tooth decay and erosion, oral cancer, cleft lip or palate, and misaligned teeth. These conditions can escalate with improper or inadequate oral hygiene and impact other body systems.
Oral care in early infanthood (wiping down or brushing the infant's gums several times a day) is the first step in the oral health journey and can significantly decrease a person's risk of other diseases through adulthood. More severe conditions such as gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral cancer can be treated by a dental professional through surgeries and various treatments when found early on.
Cavities and caries are the root causes of initial tooth decay caused by a breakdown of the tooth's enamel. As tooth structure decays, the teeth and surrounding areas become sensitive to hot and cold food, drink, air, and temperature. Sensitive teeth tend to bleed more or cause discomfort when brushing and flossing, leading to poor oral hygiene.
Cavities are also the leading cause of tooth decay and tooth loss. According to the CDC, "Untreated tooth decay can lead to [an] abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results." Infections include gum disease, and, in more severe cases, periodontal disease, which can both profoundly impact the body systems, especially the digestive and respiratory tracts.
Cracked teeth can happen in a variety of ways: craze lines, cracked cusps, cracked teeth, and split teeth. Craze lines are common in adults and are not harmful as they are merely on the surface enamel but may lead to a cracked tooth. Cracked cusps can lead to a broken tooth, and cracked and split teeth need immediate attention as they can cause damage to other parts of the mouth, especially the gums.
Cracked or broken teeth can cause many oral and general health problems, as cracks give way to bacteria and infection. The Oral Health Foundation found that "If they are not treated, cracked teeth can lead to the death of the nerve, and an abscess might grow." An abscess is full of pus and bacteria, and when it opens, the bacteria travels through various tracts to the body.
Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer most commonly result from behavioral factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and poor nutrition. People with a weak immune system are at the highest risk of developing oral cancers, as the body is unable to fight bacteria and infection as effectively. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can also cause oral cancers because of their effect on the mouth and throat.
Oral hygiene plays a vital role in reducing the risk of oral cancers along with preventing oral and general health concerns. The American Cancer Society found that "the overall health of the mouth, teeth, and gums may impact oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer risk because of changes in the normal bacteria in the mouth." Poor oral hygiene may be linked to these cancers because of bacterial infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth decay, tooth loss, and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. The CDC found that "Certain chronic conditions increase one's risk for periodontal disease including diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity." Gum and periodontal disease, characterized by sensitive and inflamed gums, are linked to decay and can result in tooth and bone loss when left untreated.
Diabetes is another common condition that both affects and is affected by gum disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, "By reducing the body's resistance to infection, diabetes puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes since people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels." Gum and periodontal care can help manage diabetes while maintaining stability in blood sugar can also help mitigate gum and periodontal disease.
