“Problems with teeth and mouth can sometimes trigger other health problems. Because there is a relationship between dental and oral health with overall body health. Be careful, dental and oral problems can trigger serious diseases such as endometriosis, cardiovascular disease, to pneumonia.”
Dental and oral problems are a very annoying thing. Actually this is very easy to prevent, namely by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, avoiding foods that can damage your teeth, and having regular dental check-ups. Well, these things are important steps to prevent dental and oral problems.
However, keep in mind that problems with dental and oral health are sometimes a symptom of a disease or can even trigger other health problems. In fact, there is a relationship between dental and oral health and overall body health. So, what are the diseases that are triggered by dental and oral problems?
Diseases Triggered by Dental and Oral Problems
Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of bacteria, although most are harmless. The teeth and mouth are the entrances to the digestive and respiratory tracts, and some bacteria can cause disease. Oral and dental health may contribute to a variety of serious illnesses, such as:
Endocarditis
Infections of the inner lining of the chambers or valves of the heart (endocardium) usually occur when bacteria or other germs from other parts of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to certain areas of the heart.
Cardiovascular Disease
Although not fully understood, some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke may be linked to inflammation and infection triggered by oral bacteria.
Pregnancy and Birth Complications
Periodontitis is also associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
Pneumonia
Certain bacteria in the teeth and mouth can enter the lungs, where they can cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Regular brushing or flossing is an effective way to control the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Because dental and oral hygiene is not maintained, it can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, it can increase the occurrence of infections in the teeth and mouth.
In addition, the use of certain drugs also needs to be watched out for. Examples include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics and antidepressants. These drugs can reduce the production of saliva.
In fact, saliva serves to clean food and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Not only that, saliva also helps protect the body from microbes that breed and cause disease.
How to Maintain Dental and Oral Health
To protect dental and oral health, it is important to practice good oral hygiene on a daily basis. Among them:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day.
- Use mouthwash to remove food residue after brushing and flossing.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit foods with added sugar.
- Change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles have bloomed.
- Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid smoking.
- Diligently gargle with mouthwash or saline solution.
That's what you need to know about the relationship between dental and oral health and overall body health. It should also be understood, in addition to being a trigger for certain health problems, dental and oral problems can also be a sign of a disease.
