Every single person wants to have a proper dental health. It is known fact that our dental health is the window of our overall health. Our oral health is more important that we realize. We should know that the health of our gums, teeth and mouth can affect our overall health. Our oral health offers clues about our overall health. [1] This means that if we have problems in our mouth, then this can lead to problems in the rest of our bodies. We should care about our dental health because this is one of the most important parts of our bodies. Like the most areas of our bodies, our mouth is teeming with bacteria and most of them are harmless. Your body is fighting against the bacteria in natural ways but also it needs some activities which we can do such as flossing and brushing because they can help to keep the bacteria under control. If you do not have proper oral hygiene, then bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. Also there are some medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, painkillers, antihistamines and decongestants which can reduce the saliva flow. We know that saliva washes away the food and it neutralizes acids which are produced by bacteria in your mouth. Saliva is helping you to stay protected from microbial invasion or overgrowth which can lead to disease. There are some studies in which is said that the oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis (which is a severe form of gum disease) can play a role in some diseases. [2] Also there are some diseases such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes which can lower the body’s resistance to infection which is making the oral health problems more severe. [3,4]
Conditions which can be linked to oral / dental health:
- Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (which is known as endocardium). This condition typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another parts of our bodies, such as our mouths, spread through your bloodstream and they attach to damaged areas in your heart. [5]
- Pregnancy and birth: Periodontitis is linked to low birth weight and premature birth. [6]
- Cardiovascular disease: There are some studies in which is said that the heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke can be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause. [7]
- HIV/AIDS: People who suffer from HIV/AIDS have oral problems such as painful mucosal lesions which are common in those people. [3]
Dental health problems
There are many dental problems which can occur in every single person but here are the most common dental problems:
- Gum disease: This is an infection of the tissues that surround and support our teeth. This is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Also this condition is referred to as a periodontal disease; gum disease is caused by the plaque which is the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.
- Missing teeth: If we miss one or more teeth, then there are many reasons why we should correct this problem. For example, when you have a large space between your teeth, then this can affect you how you eat or speak. Even if it is not noticeable, a missing molar can affect how you chew.
- Sensitivity: If the cold or hot foods make you wince, then you have a common dental problem which is known as sensitive teeth. There are many reasons which can lead to sensitivity in your teeth such as exposed tooth root, worn tooth enamel, gum disease, worn fillings, fractured teeth and tooth cavities (tooth decay).
- Dry mouth: Every single person can have dry mouth in some periods, but if you feel that your mouth is always dry, then you should visit your doctor. There are some medications and certain health conditions which can lead to dry mouth. Your dentist will make all tests to be sure what is the real cause for your dry mouth.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: This type of cancer can affect any area of the oropharyngeal cavity which is including throat, jaw the hard or soft palate, tongue, check lining, gum tissue and lips. [8]
References:
[1] World Health Organization. Oral health. Retrieved from www.who.int/health-topics/oral-health/
[2] Hoare A, Soto C, Rojas-Celis V, Bravo D. Chronic inflammation as a link between periodontitis and carcinogenesis. Mediators of Inflammation. 2019;2019:1029857.
[3] Nasir EF, Marthinussen MC, Åstrøm AN. HIV/AIDS-related attitudes and oral impacts on daily performances: a cross-sectional study of Sudanese adult dental patients. BMC Health Services Research. 2013;13.
[4] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, gum disease, & other dental problems. Retrieved from www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems
[5] Lockhart PB, Brennan MT, Thornhill M, et al. Poor oral hygiene as a risk factor for infective endocarditis–related bacteremia. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2009;140(10):1238–44.
[6] Shamsi M, Hidarnia A, Niknami S, et al. Oral health during pregnancy: A study from women with pregnancy. Dental Research Journal. 2013;10(3):409–10.
[7] Sanchez P, Everett B, Salamonson Y, et al. Oral health and cardiovascular care: Perceptions of people with cardiovascular disease. PLoS One. 2017;12(7):e0181189.
[8] Marques LA, Eluf-Neto J, Figueiredo RAO, et al. Oral health, hygiene practices and oral cancer. Revista de Saúde Pública. 2008;42(3).
