What Your Mouth Says About Your Body

When we think about being more aware of our health, we certainly don't give much thought to our oral health. Instead, the health of the body and mind is the concern. Our oral health is important more than we actually realize. Here, we are discussing how your mouth is of great significance when it comes to the awareness of our overall health.

The mouth is the mirror of overall health

Your mouth represents your whole body, as they say, your mouth is the mirror of your health. This was said long back in time, but we have scientific proof for this theory in present times. Today, health care experts claim, that good oral health is much more than preventing tooth decay and teeth whitening.

The mouth reflects your overall health and disease. It represents signs and symptoms of various systemic diseases, infections, and nutritional deficiencies.

Your mouth can tell a lot about overall health. A thorough examination of the mouth can reveal signs of disease, personal hygiene habits, unhealthy eating habits, drug use, injuries, stress, harmful addictions (such as smoking and alcoholism), and general health status.

The mouth-body connection explained

Mouth and body connection is a two-way interaction. Studies explain, our overall health status can manifest signs and symptoms in the mouth and vice versa. Our overall health status affects the health of the mouth, and the health of the mouth affects overall health.

Denis F. Kinane, BDS, PhD says, "Any disease related to the mouth has an impact elsewhere in the body".

The relationship between mouth and body is a strong connection. The importance of this connection can be identified even more with the on-going researches, as this connection is getting more attention from researchers.

It is important to understand this link between the mouth and the body in order to prevent the worsening of undiagnosed undergoing diseases of the body.

More than 90% of diseases/conditions show oral signs and symptoms.

Some of the most often studied diseases, showing association with oral health are explained here:

Diabetes

Researchers admit the fact that uncontrolled diabetes and increased incidence and severity of gum disease (periodontitis) are linked, so much so that periodontitis can be called the “sixth complication of diabetes”.

There are studies showing a two-way connection between diabetes and periodontitis, suggesting that the presence and severity of gum disease can impact blood sugar levels and make it more difficult to control the disease.

Heart Diseases

Studies for connection between bacteria present in mouth and heart diseases suggest that an increase in the number of microorganisms in the mouth is linked with an increased risk of heart disease.

The microorganism responsible for gum disease is often found in the blood clots and clogged arteries indicating its contribution to the progression of heart diseases.

Stroke

When the oral environment is disturbed, microorganisms growing in the mouth can get entry into the blood, causing inflammation throughout your body including arteries. This whole series of events may lead to a raised level of risk for stroke or a heart attack.

Pregnancy

Studies have shown, pregnant women with gum disease are at enhanced risk for preterm births and low birth weight babies.

Also, the hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase the risk of gum diseases and transient inflammations.

Respiratory diseases

Bacterial pneumonia can often be linked with the bacteria found in the mouth.

Our mouth serves as a pool for bacterial growth, which may subsequently lead to disorders of the respiratory system.

Due to breathing difficulty, patients with respiratory diseases usually develop the habit of mouth breathing, which is a common cause for dry mouth (xerostomia). Dry mouth can further complicate oral health and functions.

Gastrointestinal disorders

Disorders related to the digestive system are among the reasons for the wear-off of the outer layer of teeth. Which leads to teeth sensitivity and affect eating habits.

Because of the gastric reflexes, the pH of the mouth is lowered providing an environment for the oral microorganisms to grow.

Medications

Medicine taken for depression and allergies causes dry mouth, medicines for blood pressure and seizures can cause gum swellings or overgrowth. Certain drugs like antibiotics and antihistaminics can change taste senses.

Compromised Immune System

People with weak immune systems (like HIV/AIDS patients or undergoing radio/chemotherapy) are more likely to get fungal and viral infections in the mouth. Also, the healing of lesions is slow in such conditions.

How you can keep the mouth healthy…

protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy:

• Brush your teeth daily, at least twice a day. Rinse the mouth every time after you eat.

• Floss daily to remove the plaque in between the tooth surfaces, where it is hard for the toothbrush to reach.

• Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or toothbrush.

• Eat food, that promotes the remineralization of teeth (milk, cheese).

• Limit sugars containing foods.

• Add more fibrous food in your diet.

• Sip on water every now and then. This will help wash away any food pieces left in between teeth and way you'll keep the mouth hydrated.

• Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.

• Quit tobacco, immediately.

• Visit your dentist regularly.

As we can say now, taking good care of your oral health is not just about having a beautiful smile and fresh breath, its necessary to maintain good oral hygiene to have a healthy body.

Practice a good oral health care routine.

Stay healthy.

Dr. Deepti Singh

MDS (Oral Medicine & Radiology)