Our mouths contain various types of harmless bacteria, but poor oral health can allow harmful bacteria to grow. Not taking care of your teeth causes many problems, including tooth loss. While dental implants in Farragut can help prevent further damage, delaying treatment can again be harmful.
If you think oral bacteria only stays in your mouth and can affect your oral health only, you may be wrong. When they keep growing due to poor hygiene, they can enter into the bloodstream. This further increases your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, especially for people with health conditions or weak immune systems.
Therefore, protecting your oral health is not all about achieving a great smile but about your overall well-being. With the link between oral health and the immune system being so strong, dental care should always be a priority.
The impact of oral infections on immunity
Oral infections, particularly those related to gum disease, can severely affect your immunity. Many people ignore gingivitis when it is in the initial stage. However, this untreated issue can progress to periodontitis. This leads to chronic inflammation that not only affects your gum but also your overall health.
Tooth decay is also dangerous for your overall health. The bacterial infection can spread beyond your mouth and lead to other severe issues. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through openings caused by cavities or gum disease, leading to conditions such as endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining.
When your immune system is busy fighting the infections in your mouth, it has less energy and resources to fight off bacteria attacking other parts of your body. When you have a weaker immune system, you are more likely to get sick. Therefore, protecting your mouth is not only important for your oral health but also for your overall health.
Health conditions linked to oral health
Cardiovascular health
Studies have shown that people with gum disease are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. The oral bacteria can enter your bloodstream and lead to the inflammation of blood vessels.
This results in the buildup of plaque in arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. This can even stop your blood flow and result in heart attacks.
Diabetes
Poor oral health can make the management of diabetes difficult. High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. This is because diabetes makes your immune system weak and reduces its ability to fight off bacteria.
In turn, periodontal disease can make it more difficult to regulate blood glucose levels, leading to worsened diabetes outcomes. Moreover, people with diabetes are more likely to develop oral infections, and experience slowed healing when oral health issues arise.
Respiratory health
Inhaling bacteria from oral infections can also lead to respiratory issues such as pneumonia and bronchitis. When you have poor oral hygiene, the bacteria in your mouth keep growing. When these bacteria travel to your lungs, it can lead to lung infections, especially if you have a weak immune system.
In nursing homes, it is commonly seen that people with gum disease are more likely to get pneumonia from breathing in bacteria.
Other chronic conditions
In addition to cardiovascular and respiratory issues, oral health can also affect a range of other chronic conditions. Research has linked gum disease with rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.
Moreover, bacteria from the mouth can cause inflammation throughout your body. This may lead to autoimmune diseases and memory problems, especially in older adults.
Protect your immune system!
The strong link between oral health and the immune system is bound to make one worry. However, if you take the right steps, including visiting a dentist for a routine check-up, you will have peace of mind. Schedule your appointment with your local dentist today!