Oral Health Connection: The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Oral Health Union, NJ

Dentists have long recognized an oral health connection to overall health. The body’s systems are interrelated and affect one another. Long-term dental problems impact the immune system and other metabolic functions. It is the view of the American Dental Association that infections often enter the body through the mouth.

The interconnectedness of bodily systems

A long-term infection in the gum taxes the body’s immune system. Fluids and toxins in an abscess can leak, spreading traces through the blood and lymphatic systems. A toothache can deplete the person’s reserves, weakening them against other health problems. Due to simple proximity, infections can spread between the mouth, nose, ears and eyes.

Ears, eyes, nose and throat

There are a lot of organs crammed into the lower half of the human skull. The eyes, ears, nose and throat are all complex systems in very close proximity. There are direct channels between the eyes and nose, ears and eyes and of course the throat and the nose. An infection of any of these closely related systems can spread to all the rest.

Dealing specifically with the mouth and throat, infections of the teeth, gums and jawbone place strain on the immune system. This, in turn, weakens the body’s ability to resist other infections. Infections can also begin in the mouth. Then they migrate to elsewhere in the body. The tonsils play a major role in preventing mouth and throat infections spreading. People who have had their tonsils removed are at a much higher risk of oral infections spreading into the chest.

What is a “healthy mouth”?

Complete health dentists try to define a baseline for oral health. This includes a checklist of health for the gums, teeth and jaw. It also considers daily habits and cosmetic appearance. The main indicators that a person can check themselves are firm gums and an absence of plaque and tartar. A dentist will also look for bleeding of the gums, loose teeth and signs of decay. Any of these can show other associated or underlying problems through the oral health connection.

The ADA considers that the oral health connection presents a clear correlation to other health issues. They have gone as far as calling the mouth the “portal” to the body for infections. Besides infections migrating from the mouth, poor dental health may be a symptom of other ailments. The North Carolina School of Dentistry has found that people with gum disease also present a much higher risk of heart disease.

Learn more about the oral health connection

Your complete health dentist can tell you more about the oral health connection. Consult with your dentist to learn more about maintaining good oral hygiene for better overall health. The relationship between healthy teeth and a healthy body is noted by the ADA and other dental associations. Your complete health dentist can tell you more and offer personalized advice on dental care. For good overall health, maintain good dental health and daily habits.

Request an appointment here: https://ismiledentalcarenj.com or call iSmile Dental Care at (908) 768-3057 for an appointment in our Union office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Oral Health in Union, NJ.

Related Posts

Smile Makeover Treatments For Gaps In Teeth

Some individuals are self-conscious when they smile because of gaps between their teeth. If you are one of them, continue reading to learn about options for improving your smile.Fortunately, individuals with gaps between their teeth have several effective smile makeover treatment options, including:Patients may choose between traditional braces and clear aligners. Many individuals choose conventional…

3 Ways Emergency Dentists Provide Quick Relief

Wondering what an emergency dentist can do for you? Read on to learn more about this type of dental health professional. Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, causing significant discomfort and anxiety. An emergency dentist can help in such cases. They provide immediate care and relief by addressing urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a…

Preventive Dentistry: Preserve Your Teeth

Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…

How Soon Can I Use Toothpaste After A Tooth Extraction?

The idea of having to get a tooth extraction may spark anxiety in patients, however, they are often necessary in order to restore good oral health. While the extraction itself can cause discomfort, the part that patients should get familiar with is the healing process. After the procedure is complete, the wound will have to…

Related Posts

Smile Makeover Treatments For Gaps In Teeth

Smile Makeover Treatments For Gaps In Teeth

Some individuals are self-conscious when they smile because of gaps between their teeth. If you are one of them, continue reading to learn about options for improving your smile.Fortunately, individuals with gaps between their teeth have several effective smile makeover treatment options, including:Patients may choose between traditional braces and clear aligners. Many individuals choose conventional…

Ways Emergency Dentists Provide Quick Relief

3 Ways Emergency Dentists Provide Quick Relief

Wondering what an emergency dentist can do for you? Read on to learn more about this type of dental health professional. Dental emergencies can arise unexpectedly, causing significant discomfort and anxiety. An emergency dentist can help in such cases. They provide immediate care and relief by addressing urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a…