Oral-Systemic Connection Los Angeles, CA
The oral-systemic connection is the connection between oral and overall health. This mouth-to-body connection is a key part of maintaining overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Understanding this link can help patients achieve optimal health.
The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can significantly impact your overall health. Our team at Vatan Dental Group keeps the oral-systemic connection in mind when treating patients in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
The Connection Between Oral and Physical Health
Good oral health is a crucial aspect of overall physical health. While there is no definitive evidence of a causal relationship, research has shown there is a significant association between oral health and general health. Poor dental health can affect overall physical health by causing pain and impacting how people speak, their quality of life, and their well-being.
It is crucial to maintain and care for every part of the body, especially the mouth. Every aspect of the body's health affects other body parts and systems. Good oral health is essential to staying healthy, functioning normally, and avoiding painful and costly health complications.
“What research bridges the gap between physical health and oral health?”
How Bacteria Impacts the Heart
The mouth is full of bacteria, with plaque harboring over 500 different species of bacteria. While most bacteria are harmless, poor oral hygiene can cause harmful bacteria to accumulate and cause other complications. In particular, the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis has a link to serious health issues, including heart disease.
Oral bacteria that result from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause a bacterial infection to spread throughout the body. This infection can alter the gut's microbiome adversely and cause inflammation in the body, resulting in vascular damage to the heart. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also travel to other blood vessels, causing damage and serious problems like blood clots and heart attacks.
“In particular, the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis has a link to serious health issues, including heart disease.”
Effects of Untreated Decay
Not treating dental decay can have costly consequences and long-term adverse effects. Untreated decay can be painful and debilitating in severe cases. Treating decay in its early stages is crucial or patients risk the damage becoming irreversible.
Without the right treatment, decay can lead to teeth and gum infection and even tooth loss. When decay occurs, bacteria can infect a tooth's root and cause an abscess to form. If this infection occurs without proper treatment, it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the jaw. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain and even result in death.
“Without the right treatment, decay can lead to teeth and gum infection and even tooth loss.”
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Nutrition, Positive Oral Health, and Overall Health
The mouth offers a view into a person's overall health. It is one of the first places where signs of nutritional deficiencies appear. The foods that people choose to consume impact not only oral health but also general health.
Eating a poor diet can contribute to conditions such as decay and gum disease. We recommend avoiding foods high in sugar and starches that can cause the enamel to erode and cause decay. Eating a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help reduce gum disease progression.
“The foods that people choose to consume impact not only oral health but also general health.”
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. How does medication for diabetes impact oral hygiene?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Systemic Conditions Linked to Oral Health
Oral health is linked to a variety of systemic health conditions aside from heart disease. Some of the most prominent include diabetes, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjorgen's syndrome. As certain conditions may sometimes necessitate changes to oral health treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about their medical history.
For example, diabetes and oral health have a bidirectional relationship — meaning treating one can treat the other. At the same time, diabetes reduces the body's ability to resist infection, thus increasing the patient's risk for gum disease. Research also suggests that poor oral hygiene increases elderly patients' risk of developing pneumonia. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease are both linked to severe inflammation. Patients may become more susceptible to Sjogren's syndrome as a result.
“As certain conditions may sometimes necessitate changes to oral health treatment, patients should be as forthcoming as possible about their medical history.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What causes dental decay?
A. A combination of factors can cause dental decay. Some common factors include oral bacteria, eating and drinking sugary foods and beverages, and failure to clean teeth well.
Q. How can I prevent dental decay?
A. The best way to prevent dental decay is through proper oral hygiene. A good hygiene routine includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing teeth at least once. This will remove plaque and debris that result in decay-causing bacteria to build up.
Q. What is plaque?
A. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly develops on teeth. It consists of bacteria that produce acid and, without removal, can harden into tartar. This can eventually cause tooth decay and loss.
Q. What is an abscess?
A. An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops in the teeth or gums. It often forms due to a bacterial infection resulting from poor oral hygiene or an untreated cavity or injury. Abscesses can cause severe pain and require prompt treatment to prevent further oral and overall health complications.
Q. What are the risk factors associated with gum disease?
A. Gum disease happens when an infection occurs in the tissues that hold the teeth in place. Some common risk factors include genetics, smoking or chewing tobacco, certain medications, crooked teeth, poorly fitting dental appliances, and broken fillings. Other risks associated with gum disease include pregnancy and complications that cause compromised immunity.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
A healthier life begins with a healthier mouth. We at Vatan Dental Group may be able to help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
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