Blog Layout

Oral Health: A Window to your Overall Health
Thomas S.

The oral health of a person is more important than you might think. Your oral health can affect your overall health and the problems in your mouth can have adverse effects on the rest of your body. Therefore, it becomes very important to learn more about oral health and how it connects to your overall health condition.

Oral Health: A Window to your Overall Health

What’s the Right Treatment for a Toothache?
Just like your other parts of the body, your mouth to swarms with bacteria. However, your mouth is the entry point for your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of the bacteria present there have the potential to cause various diseases.

Thanks to the body’s natural defense mechanism and good oral hygiene, the bacteria in the mouth are kept under control. However, if oral hygiene is not maintained properly, bacteria can grow in number, causing oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease.


Moreover, certain medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants can reduce the amount of saliva flow, which is necessary to wash down food and neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. If you use any of these medications, then maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes much more important.

Conditions Linked to Oral Health

Not properly maintaining your oral hygiene can lead to various diseases and health conditions. Some of them are explained below.


Endocarditis: This is an infection that occurs on the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. It is usually caused when bacteria or germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, enter the bloodstream and get attached to certain areas of the heart.


Cardiovascular Disease: Some studies suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries, and strokes are linked to the inflammation and infections that are caused by oral bacteria.


Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue around the teeth area, has been known to cause premature birth and low birth weight.

Pneumonia: Some bacteria in your mouth can enter the lungs, causing serious problems like pneumonia and other kinds of respiratory diseases.

Conversely, certain health conditions can also affect your oral health. Some of them are given below.


Diabetes: Diabetes can put your gums at risk by reducing the body’s resistance to infections. It has been observed that gum diseases are more common and severe among people with diabetes.


HIV/AIDS: Many oral problems like painful mucosal lesions are more common in people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS.


Osteoporosis: It is a bone-weakening disease and is linked to periodontal bone and tooth loss. Moreover, certain types of drugs that are used to cure osteoporosis have a risk of damaging the bones of the jaw.


Alzheimer’s: Oral health keeps getting worse as Alzheimer's disease progresses.

Apart from these diseases and health conditions, there are other conditions that might be linked to oral health. These include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancers, and an immune system disorder that dries your mouth.

So, during your next visit to 24/7 Local Dentist Group, make sure to tell your dentist about the medications you are currently taking and about the changes that have occurred in your overall health, especially if you have been ill recently or if you have any other chronic condition, like diabetes.


Protecting the Oral Health

If you are seriously concerned about your oral health, make sure to practice good oral hygiene daily. Good oral hygiene may include the following

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Be sure to floss daily
  • Use mouthwash to remove any food particles stuck in your teeth after brushing and flossing
  • Maintain a healthy diet and try as much as you can to limit eating food with added sugars
  • Always replace your toothbrush once every three months, you can do it sooner too if the bristles of your brush get splayed or worn
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings
  • Strictly avoid smoking

Also, never waste time in contacting your dentist as soon as an oral health problem occurs. Keep in mind that taking care of your oral health is a huge part of taking care of your overall health. For any serious oral health problems, visit What’s the Right Treatment for a Toothache?
Just like your other parts of the body, your mouth to swarms with bacteria. However, your mouth is the entry point for your digestive and respiratory tracts, and some of the bacteria present there have the potential to cause various diseases.

Thanks to the body’s natural defense mechanism and good oral hygiene, the bacteria in the mouth are kept under control. However, if oral hygiene is not maintained properly, bacteria can grow in number, causing oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Moreover, certain medications like decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants can reduce the amount of saliva flow, which is necessary to wash down food and neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. If you use any of these medications, then maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes much more important.

Conditions Linked to Oral Health

Not properly maintaining your oral hygiene can lead to various diseases and health conditions. Some of them are explained below.

Endocarditis: This is an infection that occurs on the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves. It is usually caused when bacteria or germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, enter the bloodstream and get attached to certain areas of the heart.

Cardiovascular Disease: Some studies suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries, and strokes are linked to the inflammation and infections that are caused by oral bacteria.

Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue around the teeth area, has been known to cause premature birth and low birth weight.

Pneumonia: Some bacteria in your mouth can enter the lungs, causing serious problems like pneumonia and other kinds of respiratory diseases.

Conversely, certain health conditions can also affect your oral health. Some of them are given below.

Diabetes: Diabetes can put your gums at risk by reducing the body’s resistance to infections. It has been observed that gum diseases are more common and severe among people with diabetes.

HIV/AIDS: Many oral problems like painful mucosal lesions are more common in people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Osteoporosis: It is a bone-weakening disease and is linked to periodontal bone and tooth loss. Moreover, certain types of drugs that are used to cure osteoporosis have a risk of damaging the bones of the jaw.

Alzheimer’s: Oral health keeps getting worse as Alzheimer's disease progresses.

Apart from these diseases and health conditions, there are other conditions that might be linked to oral health. These include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancers, and an immune system disorder that dries your mouth.

So, during your next visit to 24/7 Local Dentist, make sure to tell your dentist about the medications you are currently taking and about the changes that have occurred in your overall health, especially if you have been ill recently or if you have any other chronic condition, like diabetes.

Protecting the Oral Health

If you are seriously concerned about your oral health, make sure to practice good oral hygiene daily. Good oral hygiene may include the following

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Be sure to floss daily
  • Use mouthwash to remove any food particles stuck in your teeth after brushing and flossing
  • Maintain a healthy diet and try as much as you can to limit eating food with added sugars
  • Always replace your toothbrush once every three months, you can do it sooner too if the bristles of your brush get splayed or worn
  • Schedule regular dental cleanings
  • Strictly avoid smoking

Also, never waste time in contacting your dentist as soon as an oral health problem occurs. Keep in mind that taking care of your oral health is a huge part of taking care of your overall health. For any serious oral health problems, visit 24/7 Local Dentist Group and we will do our best to bring relief to your pain.

 Group and we will do our best to bring relief to your pain.

What are Dental Sealants
By Karter L. 13 Nov, 2023
Brushing and flossing is the best defense against cavities. However, many people have deep grooves in the chewing surface of their teeth, especially the molars. It can be difficult to thoroughly clean these grooves. If they don’t get well cleaned, plaque and tartar can build up, increasing your risk for decay. There is an extra… Continue Reading What are Dental Sealants? The post What are Dental Sealants? appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
Drink Water to Protect Your Teeth
By Victor J. 13 Nov, 2023
Water. It is Earth’s most precious and abundant resource. Our bodies are literally made of up to 60% water. Water replenishes our organs, revitalizes our skin, and helps keep us healthy. But did you know water also protects our teeth? Read on to find out how it helps fight cavities and rebuild our teeth! Rebuilds… Continue Reading Drink Water to Protect Your Teeth The post Drink Water to Protect Your Teeth appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
Dental Fashion Fads: What You Need to Know About Tooth Trends
By Simon H. 11 Nov, 2023
People go to great lengths to express themselves. Personal expression drives people to all kinds of body modifications, from piercings to hair dye, implants to tattoos. Dental fashion trends are one new way people are beginning to express their individuality. However, you may want to consider the side effects of a trend before you jump. Continue Reading Dental Fashion Fads: What You Need to Know About Tooth Trends The post Dental Fashion Fads: What You Need to Know About Tooth Trends appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
Top 10 Worst Junk Foods for your Teeth
By Holden K. 10 Nov, 2023
Ah junk food. We know how comforting and addicting it can be to plow through a bag of your favorite snacks. There may even be some times when junk food seems appropriate.  But before you binge on your guilty pleasure, consider the potential negative effects beyond your waistline. Some junk foods are really hard on… Continue Reading Top 10 Worst Junk Foods for your Teeth The post Top 10 Worst Junk Foods for your Teeth appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
Do You Have a Sugar Addiction?
By Steven S. 10 Nov, 2023
Addiction may sound like a strong word to apply to your inclination to eat sugar. However, there is strong scientific evidence to suggest that addiction to sugar is not only possible, but it’s sneaky. The social acceptance and cultural habits around eating together can make it easy to write off your symptoms of sugar addiction.… Continue Reading Do You Have a Sugar Addiction? The post Do You Have a Sugar Addiction? appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
How to Fight Sugar Cravings
By Hayes H. 09 Nov, 2023
In case you didn’t see last week’s blog, be sure to check it out. We flagged signs that you may be addicted to sugar. Now that you’re aware you may have a sugar addiction, let’s discuss the importance of changing your habits and ways you can fight sugar cravings. Impact of Sugar Addiction on your Oral Continue Reading How to Fight Sugar Cravings The post How to Fight Sugar Cravings appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
9 Bad Habits that Affect Oral Health
By Marcus S. 07 Nov, 2023
Are you accidentally sabotaging your oral health with one of these common habits? Let’s look at a few habits that you should overcome and why. Keeping your toothbrush within 6 feet of the toilet Did you know that when you flush a toilet, especially one with the lid up, you spray the surrounding area  with… Continue Reading 9 Bad Habits that Affect Oral Health The post 9 Bad Habits that Affect Oral Health appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
How Cultures Around the World Celebrate Lost Baby Teeth
By Beckham D. 07 Nov, 2023
Did you know that cultures all over the world have different traditions to celebrate the loss of baby teeth? Losing a tooth can be scary and painful, so many cultures have developed ways to celebrate and normalize losing baby teeth. Stories and characters help make it an exciting milestone instead of a scary one. Many… Continue Reading How Cultures Around the World Celebrate Lost Baby Teeth The post How Cultures Around the World Celebrate Lost Baby Teeth appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
How to Manage Dental Anxiety
By Emilio M. 05 Nov, 2023
Are you one of the 7% of Americans who avoid visiting the dentist because of dental anxiety? Also known as dentophobia, dental anxiety can be severe enough to prevent patients from visiting a dentist, even when they’re in pain. This can cause unnecessary pain and tooth loss, and in severe cases, it could allow life-threatening infections. Continue Reading How to Manage Dental Anxiety The post How to Manage Dental Anxiety appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist.
How to: Use Temporary Filling Material
By Richard S. 05 Nov, 2023
Have you lost a crown, bridge, or filling on the weekend? Or maybe while you’re away from home? Right now, many of us are home instead of away on vacation, but most dental offices are closed. At 24/7 Local Dentist we are open during the Coronavirus lockdown, but seeing patients for emergencies only. Please… Continue Reading How to: Use Temporary Filling Material The post How to: Use Temporary Filling Material appeared first on 24/7 Local Dentist
More Posts
Share by: