Taking care of your mouth may be more important than you think. In fact, dental
professionals and physicians believe that there may be links between oral health
and overall health. Here are some of the more common mouth-body associations you
should know about.
• Smoking
Causing bad breath, dry mouth and discoloured teeth, smoking is also one of the
leading risk factors of gum disease and oral cancer. When you quit smoking and start
a healthy oral care routine, you can reduce the risk of developing gum disease.
• Other diseases
Having serious gum problems may also affect diabetics, and contribute to the development
of heart disease and stroke. With advanced gum disease, your blood-sugar level may
be adversely affected, potentially making treatment for diabetes less effective.
Several theories also exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and
heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter
the bloodstream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood
vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Over time, these clots may restrict
blood flow, and in severe cases, lead to a heart attack or stroke.
• Bad Breath
Poor oral hygiene and gum disease are the primary causes of chronic bad breath.
Thankfully the solution is easy - a better oral care routine and regular dental
care.
