We like to separate oral health and ‘regular’ health. After all, you go to the dentist for one and the doctor for the other.

But the truth is they’re tied together.

Maintaining good oral hygiene not only prevents dental issues but also reduces the risk of developing serious health conditions.

These can include some very serious conditions. Read on to find out more

Heart Disease

Beach Running For Health

Poor oral health leads to inflammation in the gums. This can then release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Then, your arteries can become inflamed, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

In fact, research has shown that people with periodontal disease (a severe form of gum disease) are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without it. 

Diabetes

Diabetes and poor oral health are bidirectionally connected. That means one can lead to the other. 

People with diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease. 

Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, making diabetes symptoms worse. 

In fact, studies have shown that people with diabetes who have poor oral health are at a higher risk of developing diabetic complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and neuropathy. 

Respiratory Issues

The mouth is home to millions of bacteria, some of which can cause respiratory infections like pneumonia. If these bacteria enter the lungs, they can cause inflammation and infection. Poor oral hygiene can increase the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of respiratory infections. In fact, studies have shown that people with poor oral health are more likely to develop respiratory infections like pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Connecting to whole body health

Our body is not made up of parts. It is all connected. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits can not only prevent dental issues but also reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. So, make sure to brush those teeth and floss to protect your whole health.