Good oral health is linked to overall health. This is because bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, such as the heart.
Oral diseases disproportionately affect people living in poverty, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with special health care needs. Practicing daily dental hygiene and eating a healthy diet can help prevent these diseases.
1. Tooth Decay
You may have heard the saying, “The toe bone is connected to the foot bone, and so on.” While this proverb speaks mainly to the skeletal system, it also demonstrates how our entire body is interconnected. This connection is especially true when it comes to dental health and overall well-being.
Tooth decay is a disease caused by bacteria that leads to the destruction of healthy teeth and gums. It is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting people of all ages. It can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing 1450ppm fluoride and flossing regularly.
Poor oral health can affect our ability to speak, eat, and smile. It can lead to pain, loss of teeth, and other serious infections. It can also impact our quality of life by causing lost productivity and resulting in missed work or school days (Sierrondi et al. 2013). It is estimated that low-income families with children have a higher incidence of tooth decay than middle-class or high-income households (Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, 2014). This is because they typically consume more sugary foods and beverages, smoke, and use less effective dental care techniques.
2. Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause tooth loss and is a risk factor for heart disease. Infections from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation throughout the body, increasing a person’s overall risk for serious health conditions.
Good dental health includes limiting sugary foods and drinks, brushing twice a day for about 3 minutes each time (about the length of your favorite song), using a toothbrush with soft bristles, and flossing daily. Seeking regular professional cleanings and annual dental X-rays can help detect disease early. Other steps to improve oral and general health include drinking fluoridated water, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking.
Oral diseases like gum disease are linked to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes, and dementia. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease are also linked to other health issues across the body. Gum disease is also more likely to affect people living in poverty, racial and ethnic minorities, frail elderly individuals, and those with other socially marginalized characteristics.
3. Tooth Loss
Tooth loss is a common oral health issue that impacts many aspects of our overall well-being. It can lead to eating challenges, reduced nutrition due to limited food choices, jawbone deterioration, and social interactions, among other issues. It can also impact the symmetry and appearance of your smile, which can lower self-esteem.
Tooth losses are caused by gum disease, injuries, and natural tooth decay. However, many times the root cause is systemic health issues like obesity, smoking, and low socioeconomic status (SES) or a lack of access to dental care and treatment.
Research shows a direct link between SDoH and oral health. These factors may increase an individual’s vulnerability to chronic disease, which can lead to higher rates of illness and death. This is why it’s critical that all healthcare professionals, including dentists, understand the relationship between oral and physical health. This understanding can help create more effective patient-centered care. It can also lead to more collaboration between medical and dental professionals.
4. Heart Disease
You’ve heard the classic ditty “the toe bone is connected to the foot bone”; well, your oral health is also connected to your overall health. That’s because the germs that are found in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body and cause serious problems like endocarditis (infection of the heart’s inner lining), cardiovascular disease, including clogged arteries, preterm birth, and pneumonia.
Oral diseases are a leading cause of disability globally, with missing workdays, reduced productivity, and diminished quality of life (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation 2016). These problems affect people of low socioeconomic status who bear the highest burden of disease and are exacerbated by structural factors that limit access to routine dental care.
These factors include high out-of-pocket costs, barriers to insurance coverage, and cultural beliefs that discourage preventive visits to the dentist. The problem is worse in rural areas, where Black and AI/AN populations, migrant workers, frail elderly residents, and those with SHCNs have lower rates of utilization of oral healthcare services than their urban counterparts.
5. Diabetes
People with diabetes have an increased risk of oral health problems, like gum disease and tooth loss. This is partly because their diabetes makes it harder to keep blood sugar levels in check. This leads to less saliva, which makes it harder for teeth and gums to get the nourishment they need.
The most important factor in keeping your teeth healthy is to limit how much and how often you eat foods and drinks that contain sugar. This helps prevent cavities because it limits the amount of time that your teeth are exposed to low pH levels, which cause them to become demineralised.
Poor oral and dental health is linked with a range of conditions, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. These conditions are largely due to the way that mouth bacteria enter the bloodstream and can spread to other parts of your body. Oral health is closely tied to the ability to eat, speak, and show emotions, and is therefore fundamental to one’s quality of life. However, many factors affect your ability to maintain good oral health, including the availability of affordable and accessible healthcare services.