The Mouth-Body Connection

When you visit any dentist, you can always expect to hear from your dentist or dental hygienist about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene for the sake of your teeth and gums. But did you know that the health of your mouth also contributes to and has a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing? 

We call this the “mouth-body connection”, and you can protect your health by understanding more about this connection and taking some simple steps to support a healthy mouth-body connection.

What is the connection between the mouth and body?

Your oral cavity, or mouth, is home to the second largest colony of microbiomes in your body (source). These bacteria are mostly harmless, but because your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory systems and is intricately connected to your bloodstream, some of the bacteria in your mouth can cause infection or even disease when lack of proper oral hygiene disrupts the balance of these microorganisms (source). 

“While it may appear that oral diseases only affect the mouth, their consequences can affect the rest of the body as well. There is a proven relationship between oral and general health.” (source)

What are some conditions or diseases linked to oral health?

While the relationship between various diseases and oral health is not fully understood by scientists at this time, your oral health may be linked to:

  • Endocarditits

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Pregnancy and birth complications

  • Pneumonia

In addition to these conditions, research has show a correlation between other conditions that may adversely affect your oral health, including:

  • Diabetes

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Osteoporosis

  • Alzheimers

If you ever wonder why a thorough medical history questionnaire is a part of your new patient paperwork at your dentist’s office, it is for reasons like this. Your overall health and medical history, especially chronic conditions or medications you may be taking, are important pieces of information your dentist needs to determine the right treatment plan and provide the best possible dental care.

What can you do to support the mouth-body connection?

While it may seem that we sound like a broken record, the key to supporting the mouth-body connection is to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some important tips you should follow:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

  • Floss twice daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth (remember that 40% of your tooth’s surface cannot be reached by your toothbrush!)

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Avoid sugar and acidic foods and drinks

  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months

  • Visit your dentist regularly, at least once every six months or as recommended by your dentist

  • Avoid tobacco use

  • Contact your dentist as soon as any oral health problems occur

 
 

If you do not have a dentist or if it has been longer than 6 months since your last dental visit, then call WoodSprings Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. Your oral and dental health is an important part of your overall health and well-being and should be an important part of your healthcare plan and routine.

Drs. Samantha and James Tejada, along with their team of dental professionals at WoodSprings Dentistry, are proud to provide modern, personal dental care to The Woodlands and Spring, TX, communities. We offer comprehensive dental care for the entire family including pediatric dentistry, periodontics, cosmetic dentistry, clear aligners, dental implants and more. Our dental office also provides affordable, in-house membership plans to help make the best dental care possible for every family.

Call our office today or request an appointment online to discover a different kind of dentistry.

Joelle Allen