Did you know that the first signs of illness appear in your mouth long before your general practitioner detects them? That your oral health is an indicator of your overall state of health? That is exactly the case. Your dentist can often spot the signs that something is wrong earlier than anyone else.
Your mouth is full of microbes, which your immune system handles properly, especially if you have a good oral hygiene routine: thorough brushing and flossing. If these are neglected, the bacterial load rises and tooth decay and gingivitis lie in wait.
Once periodontitis develops, research shows that the spread of bacteria may affect your general health, especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
The link between general health and oral hygiene
Your oral hygiene plays a role in conditions such as endocarditis. It is rare but not impossible: bacteria from your mouth can travel through your arteries and attach to heart tissue, with fatal consequences.
Several studies have linked cardiovascular events and strokes to the inflammation and infections caused by bacteria in the mouth.
Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Oral bacteria are quite often directly linked to lung infections and can cause pneumonia or other respiratory problems.
In women going through perimenopause and menopause, bone loss can be detected by your dentist long before the first DEXA scan your orthopaedist will order.
A dental visit every six months both prevents many oral health problems before they become noticeable through pain or discomfort, and gives “signs” about your general health. Make the most of it and don’t skip your regular dental check-ups.