We use our mouths every day for eating, talking, smiling and kissing. But when it comes to our health, we often forget that our mouths are part of our bodies too. We visit our dentist for our teeth and gums and other healthcare professionals for everything else. This can lead us to think of the mouth as separate from the body.
Oral health is more than just teeth, your mouth is the gateway to your body. Problems in your mouth can seriously affect your overall health. Your mouth can be a window into your overall health, providing clues about various underlying conditions or conditions which are not being managed well.
Did you know?
If your teeth and mouth aren’t healthy, it can lead to serious health problems.
Heart health – people with gum disease are 20 per cent more likely to have heart disease. The same bacteria that cause gum infections has been found in clogged arteries.
Diabetes – this makes gum disease worse because high blood sugar reduces the way the body’s immune response, responds to gum disease. At the same time, severe gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar. It’s a cycle where each problem makes the other worse.
If you have diabetes, taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about your mouth, it’s essential for managing your condition.
Pregnancy – poor oral health during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, such as gum disease, dental decay, pre-eclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight. Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy and visiting the dentist often helps protect both mum and baby’s health.
Brain health – scientists have previously found a bacteria linked to gum disease in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. While we’re still learning exactly how this works, infections in your mouth might contribute to memory problems and dementia.
Medications – some medicines can cause dry mouth and can lead to tooth decay and gum problems. Others may slow down healing after dental treatments or cause side effects like mouth ulcers.
What you can do
Think of mouth health as part of your overall health, not something separate.
You can help by talking to all your healthcare providers about your complete health picture and ask how your health conditions might affect your mouth.
When you next visit the dentist, tell them about medical conditions and medications.
Spot the signs – oral health red flags
See a dental professional if you notice:
- your gums bleed when brushing
- bad breath that won’t go away
- loose teeth or receding gums
- mouth ulcers that don’t heal
- pain when chewing.
Five simple steps to protect your mouth and overall health
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily (e.g. floss or use interdental brushes).
- Visit your dentist often, even if you have no pain
- Eat a balanced diet that if low in sugar and processed food.
- Stop smoking and drink less alcohol – both affect your oral and general health.
By Dr Sophia Morris, dentist and System Clinical Lead for Health Inequalities