Dental Health Impact on Health
The mouth is an essential part of the body, and oral health reflects a person’s overall health. Oral health impacts physical, emotional, social and economic well-being.
Infectious diseases, immune disorders, nutritional deficiencies and cancers have been linked to mouth problems. Bacteria from infected teeth and gums can travel to other body parts, increasing the risk for heart disease, diabetes and respiratory ailments.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay (also known as dental caries) occurs when specific types of bacteria in your mouth produce acids when they come into contact with sugars in food and drinks. These acids start to dissolve away the outer layer of your tooth, called enamel.
Eventually, it can spread into the dentine underneath the enamel and reach the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels. This can cause pain and discomfort.
In the early stages of tooth decay, your dentist may apply a fluoride gel, varnish or paste to help stop the decline from worsening and remineralize your tooth. If the decay has spread to the pulp, this will need to be removed in a process called root canal treatment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is linked to severe health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness. It has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
This is because gum disease bacteria can enter the bloodstream if left untreated, affecting other body parts.
The bacteria that cause gum disease can also clog your arteries, leading to problems with blood flow and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
People with periodontal disease also have a greater risk of developing kidney disease, which can be fatal. It can also increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, another common chronic condition.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when your body doesn’t make enough or doesn’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that works with glucose (the sugar in your blood) to let it into your cells, providing energy or “fuel.”
The pancreas makes insulin and releases it into your bloodstream. As the sugar in your blood rises, insulin lowers the sugar level.
When your blood sugar is too high, damage can occur in the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, kidneys and feet. This can result in problems like diabetic retinopathy, which may lead to blindness.
In addition, diabetic nephropathy, which can cause kidney failure, may develop in some people with diabetes. It’s essential to control your blood sugar and avoid complications with diet, exercise, medication and regular screening.
Dental Health – Infertility
Infertility is a common health issue that affects 10%-15% of couples worldwide. It occurs when a team cannot become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
Having difficulty conceiving can significantly impact a person’s life, as it often leads to low self-esteem, reduced libido, heightened stress levels, and depression. In addition, infertility can lead to some medical problems and complications.
In addition, infertility can also impact a woman’s dental health. It can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontitis, significant health concerns.
Dental Health – Cancer
Cancer is a disease of the body that happens when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of your body. These cells form tumours, or malignant tumours, and can cause severe problems for your health.
In addition, cancer can damage your teeth, mouth and throat. This is why it is essential to have regular dental checkups.
Treatment for cancer works best when it is caught early and treated before the disease worsens. But it isn’t always easy to spot the signs of a tumour. For instance, you might have pain that doesn’t seem to go away or feel itchy. If this is the case, it may signify that you have oral cancer. Talk to your doctor about what’s happening and how to treat it.