It’s easy to think of your dental health and physical health as two separate concerns. After all, we grow up hearing that doctors take care of our bodies and dentists take care of our teeth, as if the two don’t overlap. But that’s not the case.
Your dental health and physical health are closely connected. When one starts to suffer, the other isn’t far behind. Even if you eat well, work out, and do everything else right, neglecting your dental health can undermine your efforts.
The link between dental health and physical health
The lungs
The mouth serves as a gateway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Since our mouths are full of germs – some harmless, some not – harmful bacteria can spread to the lungs if proper dental care is not practised. This can potentially cause illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis, impacting your physical health.
The heart
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and an often-overlooked risk factor is gum disease. When gums are infected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart. This can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, causing a condition known as atherosclerosis, which restricts blood flow and increases the risk of physical health conditions like heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease and periodontal disease because high blood sugar levels weaken the body’s ability to fight infections. Having poor dental health, especially conditions like gum disease, can also make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels, leading to potential diabetes complications.
Pregnancy complications
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gum disease, known as pregnancy gingivitis, which causes swollen and bleeding gums. Maintaining good dental health during this time is crucial, as untreated gingivitis has been linked to physical health conditions like premature births and low birth weight. Despite common misconceptions, routine dental care, such as cleanings and fillings, is generally safe during pregnancy and can prevent more serious dental issues from arising.
The kidneys
Periodontal disease, which involves inflammation and infection of the gums, may make kidney problems worse due to increased systemic (whole-body) inflammation. Some studies suggest that periodontal treatments, like scaling and root planing, could potentially improve kidney function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in people with chronic kidney disease.
What your dentist can tell about your health
Dentists play a unique role in detecting signs of serious physical health conditions. For instance, symptoms like dry mouth, persistent gum disease, or frequent oral infections can indicate diabetes. Similarly, loose teeth or receding gums could be a sign of osteoporosis, while mouth sores or a pale tongue might suggest nutritional deficiencies.
Since the state of your dental health can reflect other physical health conditions, it’s important to share your full health history with your dentist, including any medications you’re taking or recent changes in your overall health. This information can help your dentist provide the most effective care, and possibly alert you to other health concerns.
How to protect your physical health through dental care
To protect your physical health through dental care, here are some healthy habits to get into:
1. Maintain a daily oral hygiene routine
A consistent daily routine is the first line of defence in protecting both dental and physical health. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing daily helps to clean the areas between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, reducing the risk of gum disease, which has been linked to cardiovascular problems.
2. Prioritise regular dental check-ups
Routine dental visits are critical for catching problems early. Regular check-ups allow dentists to identify signs of dental health issues such as cavities, gum inflammation and infections, which can serve as early warning indicators for conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Professional cleanings help remove hardened plaque (tartar), which can’t be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing. This then prevents the development of more serious dental and physical health issues.
3. Address dry mouth and other oral health changes
Dry mouth, often caused by certain medications, can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease because there’s less saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria. Staying hydrated, using saliva substitutes, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can help manage dry mouth and protect your physical health.
4. Focus on a healthy diet
A balanced diet that limits sugary foods and drinks not only protects your teeth from decay but also supports your overall physical health. Nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are important for maintaining strong teeth and bones, while antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation in the gums.
Dental and physical health: A summary
Your dental health and physical health are interconnected in more ways than you might think. Maintaining good dental hygiene is not just about having a bright smile – it’s a crucial part of safeguarding your overall health. Regular dental check-ups, a balanced diet, and a proper oral care routine can help you avoid health complications down the line.
How can biological dentistry help?
In the words of VIP Dental Clinic’s Principal General Dentist, Dr Diana Cristina Bueno Toro:
“Biological dentistry offers a more holistic approach to oral health, we focus on the impact on overall well-being not only on treating dental issues.”
Don’t wait until a problem arises. Book an appointment with us today and take a proactive step towards improving both your dental and physical health.