Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.
Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless, but the mouth is the entryway to the digestive tract. It is also the entryway to the respiratory tract. Because of this, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.
Oral germs and inflammation are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that germs and inflammation that form in the mouth might play a role in some diseases, including:
- Endocarditis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Pregnancy and birth complications
- Pneumonia
Most of the body’s defenses and good oral care help keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that may lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.
While practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk of health problems, other factors can affect oral health. Certain medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants can lower the flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance helping to keep them from spreading and causing disease.
Some health conditions can also affect oral health, they include:
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
You can protect your oral health and take care of your mouth every day by:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
- Flossing between your teeth daily.
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
- Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are worn out.
- Seeing a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.
Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-206-6980
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.