Generally, people believe that oral health is all about shiny teeth and a breath that smells fresh.

They visit their family dentist and seek treatments to ensure that their smile looks pearly white to come across as an approachable, confident, and pleasing personality. But there’s another part of the story, which we will be discussing right here in this blog. Stay tuned to know the inseparable relationship between oral and general health.

Oral Health Has a Lot to Do with General Health and Quality of Life

Some of you might be scratching your head, wondering how oral health can correlate with one’s body. Well, being a Goose Creek dentist, I can confirm that keeping good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth is one heck of a worthy goal to live a disease-free life. Your oral health has a grand impact on your physical, mental, psychological, and social well being. In fact, several studies unveil that oral issues can impair systematic health, and one should be cautious to keep it in good condition to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Now, let’s get straight to the insights. We, the team of Huch Family Dentistry, have covered some vital aspects associated with your mouth’s health. Have a read and learn how badly can uncared dental hygiene impact your overall health:

  1. Dental Hygiene and Brain

You might not be aware, but poor dental hygiene is recognized as one reason for Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As per a recent study, if gum diseases are left untreated for more than ten years, there’s a chance that you might develop these disorders and lose your ability to reason and recall things.

Wondering how?

The bacteria porphyromonas gingivalis, which is associated with gum disease, can travel through the nerves connected to the brain and destroy the nerve cells. However, there’s no worry to panic. This scary possibility arises only in the chronic cases caused by the total neglect of oral care.

Apart from this, tooth loss, no matter how, affects the grey matter in the brain, which can lead to specific impairments. Some people who experience tooth loss need to deal with speaking, haptic perception, and altered emotional functions. There have also been instances where the removal of 6 or more teeth has shown symptoms of depression and anxiety, making a person feel lost and unsure about their life course.

Hence, it becomes imperative to visit a dentist and get regular dental check-ups to reduce the probability of gum disease and early tooth loss.

  1. Dental Care and Heart

As aforesaid, gum bacteria can travel through the nerves and reach the brain.

Similarly, these bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums and lead to clogged arteries and stroke conditions. This happens when the bacteria attaches itself to any damaged area and cause exalted C-reactive protein, which indicates inflammation in blood vessels.

Doctors have found that patients suffering from chronic gum diseases are the ones who are most exposed to such bacteria and hence are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is suggested that brushing twice every day with a soft-bristled toothbrush must have healthy gums and a healthier heart.

  1. Dental Health and Diabetes

Periodontal disease is a chronic disease that can harm gums, the tissues holding your teeth, and even bones. This disease is mostly found in people who have diabetes. Symptoms may include bleeding gums, gums that have pulled away from the teeth, and bad breath.

Now, if you or someone you love has diabetes, we have some details that might be alarming. Owing to poor blood sugar control, people with diabetes are at a much higher risk of severe gum problems. Also, gum diseases may cause sugar blood levels to rise and further deteriorate the condition. It may lead to bacteria growth, as they multiply in a sweet environment and increase infection risk.

Oral burning, which is a burning sensation caused in the mouth by uncontrolled blood glucose levels, is also one of the significant issues that may arise in diabetic patients. Also, medications for diabetes, blood pressure, and antidepressants may cause dryness in the mouth leading to metallic taste and an increase in oral problems. If the above situations occur, one may consult the doctor to change the medicines or keep the blood glucose under control so that the burning sensation goes away.


  1. Oral Health and Pregnancy

It seems totally out of the blue to think of some linkage between dental hygiene and pregnancy.

But the fact is, pregnant women are exposed to a higher risk of tooth decay and related health concerns.

Many family dentists and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggest that pregnant women who experience morning sickness and vomiting run at a high risk of tooth erosion. Some women may also develop “pregnancy tumors” – red emplaning lesions appearing along the gum line. These tumors are temporary and usually go away after having a baby.

Moreover, the hormonal changes during the pregnancy phase can also lead to serious gum issues like gingivitis and periodontitis. These gum-related issues during pregnancy are temporary, but they can severely weaken the tissues holding your teeth if ignored. The possibility of such occurrences is significantly less unless you have had previous gum inflammation-related issues.  

If you are expecting and want to take the best care of oral hygiene, we, Huch Family Dentistry dentists, have specific tips ready for you. It would help if you considered chewing sugar-free gum, as it stimulates saliva, which neutralizes the acid and washes it away. Applying a bit of toothpaste over teeth with a finger and leaving it for around 30 mins before washing it off is also an excellent way to avoid damage to the softened enamel surface.

  1. Oral Health and Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues affecting the lungs and the ability to breathe can be genetic or influenced by one’s lifestyle. During asthma or bronchitis, or any other respiratory disease, using anti-inflammatory medication causes dry mouth and increases plaque, making a person more prone to yeast and fungal infection. Rinsing your mouth after such a dose of medicine can help avoid the infection. One may also consult a doctor before taking any further steps.

Apart from the issues mentioned above, there have also been cases where bacteria in the mouth led to chronic pneumonia and colonization of dental plaque. Hence, even a slight niggle requires a dental check-up from an experienced dental care expert.

I hope our readers have made you realize how important it is to take your oral hygiene’s best care to live a disease-free life. If you are all set to get a dental check-up or seeking emergency dental services in Goose Creek, do consider visiting our clinic. From dental implants and root canals to fillings and dietary recommendations, we do it all to help you own a beautiful smile. To get detailed information, book an appointment, or give a quick call at (843) 797-0782.

We wish the charm of your smile reflects the health of your teeth, gums, and entire body. Keep Smiling!