The Mouth-Body Connection
The mouth to body connection refers to the well-documented link between oral health and overall bodily health, where issues like gum disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Conversely, conditions like diabetes can negatively impact oral health, making it a bidirectional relationship. Dental blogs use this concept to emphasize that oral hygiene is integral to total wellness, not just for a healthy smile but for protecting the rest of the body from infection and inflammation.
How oral health impacts the body
– Heart disease: Inflammation and bacteria from gum disease can contribute to clogged arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
– Diabetes: The relationship is bidirectional. Poor oral health can make blood sugar control more difficult, while high blood sugar levels in diabetics create an environment for more gum disease.
– Respiratory infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues like pneumonia and bronchitis.
Why oral health is crucial for your body
– Your mouth is a gateway: It’s a primary entry point for bacteria to enter your respiratory and digestive systems, which can affect your entire body.
– Inflammation spreads: Chronic inflammation in the mouth can trigger or worsen inflammation in other parts of the body
– Your immune system is affected: The body’s resources are busy fighting chronic oral infections, potentially weakening its ability to fight off other diseases.
At the Smile Team, we provide our clients with the best treatment options for them so book a consultation with Dr. Abid Hidayat today. We are open Mondays to Saturdays and speak GUJARATI, HINDI, URDU, TAGALOG and ARABIC. You can reach our family dental care office in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, by calling 416-546-5599.