When we think about the health of our teeth, the most obvious health problems that come to mind are toothache, cavities and bleeding gums, while the situation is much more serious.
However, some oral problems may reveal health conditions in other parts of the body. “While we tend to associate dental health with what’s going on in our mouths, we tend to associate dental health with what’s going on in our mouths,” Neil Seka told British Express. Research has found that gum disease is also linked to some long-term health conditions, such as heart disease and strokes.In fact, data from Bupa Dental Insurance shows that clients who request tooth extraction are 70% more likely to develop other health conditions, further strengthening the link. between oral health and general health.
He continued: “What most people don’t know is that your dentist can be your first line of defense in detecting symptoms of broader health problems. Using some of the senses (sight, hearing and smell), dentists are in an excellent position to detect health conditions in the rest of the body.”
The lungs are one of the parts of the body that can be affected by poor oral hygiene.
bacterial plaques, theories suggest that you can inhale these bacteria and spread them in the lungs. This can cause infection or worsen existing conditions. It is a condition more common in the elderly as it can cause aspiration pneumonia. So, while dentists can’t diagnose if a patient has a lung problem, if they have poor oral health, there is evidence to suggest that this may increase the risk of lung damage, which patients are even aware of. They can discuss it with their GP.”
He referred to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, which concluded that there is a link between poor oral health and pneumonia, which means the tissues inside the lung are inflamed.
The study, conducted by the University of Michigan in the United States, says: “Current data indicate that poor oral health is a major risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in the elderly. The available evidence (although not clearly demonstrated by high-quality, randomized, controlled trials) demonstrates that measures of Oral hygiene may reduce the risk of pneumonia in the elderly, and further studies are indicated.
Dr. Sica shared his top five tips for maintaining oral and dental health:
- Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
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Don’t forget to brush between your teeth with an interdental brush (or floss if the spaces are tight), once a day.
Follow regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist and hygienist at least once a year for a professional oral examination and cleaning.
Make healthy lifestyle choices: Not smoking, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet all help reduce the risk of serious health complications, in your mouth and elsewhere.
If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist about treatments for this condition. In some cases, it can be managed with over-the-counter artificial saliva products, though your dentist may suggest another specialist review.
He added: “We know that some people only go to see their dentist when they really need it, for example, when they are in great pain. But this shows that a dentist appointment is not just about teeth and gums, it is about taking care of your whole body.” As such, we want to encourage people to rethink regular dental check-ups to spot problems early and help stem the effects of poor oral health.”
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Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
Cough: may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown, or bloodstained mucus (phlegm)
Difficulty breathing: Your breathing may be rapid, and you may feel short of breath, even while at rest
Rapid heartbeat
– high temperature
Feeling generally unwell
– Sweating and shivering
– Anorexia
Chest pain: worsens when breathing or coughing
Some people may cough up blood or feel sick, among other less common signs.