What Your Mouth Has to Say about Your Health

Everyone has heard the saying “the eyes are the window to your soul” at least once, but how many have heard the phrase “your mouth is a mirror to your overall health”? It is an odd saying, but it is true. Our mouth is more than just for talking, smiling, and chewing our food; your oral health can actually offer clues to your overall health. Understanding the connection between the two will make you realize how crucial your oral hygiene practices can be.

Connecting Oral Health with Overall Health

The idea of oral health being tied to overall health may seem farfetched, but experts have agreed that any disease related to the mouth has an impact somewhere else in the body. Inflammation is the body’s response to an infection. With 30-50% of American adults having mild to moderate gum disease, latest research are hoping that treating inflammation caused by gum disease can improve other diseases.

 

The Different Diseases

Your oral health might be affected or can contribute to these various conditions:

• Endocarditis – Occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of the body spreads through your bloodstream and attach to the damaged areas in the heart

• Cardiovascular disease – Inflammation and infections form heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke can be caused by oral bacteria.

• Pregnancy and Birth – Peridontitis has been linked to low birth weight and sometimes premature births.

• Diabetes – The body’s resistance to infection is lowered which puts gums at risk.

 

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

These are just some of the conditions that are linked to oral health. It is important to tell your dentist in Kirkland, WA if there are any changes in your overall health, new medications, or if you have any chronic conditions like diabetes. Regular brushing and flossing will help deter gum disease, if you are still concerned about your overall health, visit your dentist in Kirkland, WA to see if he can help with the diagnosis.