There is a close relationship between the mouth and the body. Your oral health reveals a lot about your overall health. Diseases and problems in the mouth can affect the rest of your body!!! Like other parts of the body, your mouth is full of good and bad bacteria that mostly live in balance and do not cause harm. The body's immune system and daily oral health care, such as brushing and flossing, keep harmful bacteria in check. In addition, saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Lack of proper oral hygiene and decreased saliva flow can be a cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 estimates that oral diseases affect half of the world’s population (3.58 billion) with tooth decay being the most common condition. Severe periodontitis, which causes tooth loss, is the 11th most common disease globally. Tooth loss and decay are among the top 10 causes of disability. Oral cancer is the 3rd most common cancer of all types. In developing countries like India, these figures are even more alarming. According to a World Health Organization report (2010), in India “more than 90% of the population suffers from gum disease, only 50% use a toothbrush, and only 2% visit a dentist”.
Published evidence suggests that bacteria associated with pyorrhea can enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body, leading to inflammation of the heart and blood vessels and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Gum disease in pregnant women has been described as a potential risk factor for premature birth and low birth weight. The mouth is the gateway to your digestive and respiratory tract, and some of these microbes can cause pneumonia, coronavirus and other respiratory diseases. Recent studies have shown that it is a distinct risk factor for cancer and arthritis.
Research shows that diabetic patients suffering from pyorrhea require higher doses of medication and longer treatment to control their blood sugar levels. Just as diabetes can be controlled by changing diet and losing weight, regular periodontal care also plays a major role in controlling blood sugar levels. In addition, some diseases like diabetes, corona and HIV (AIDS) can reduce the body's resistance to infection, making health problems more severe. Mucor fungal infection in the mouth and oral cancer can also cause death. What more proof can there be that the mouth is an integral part of the body!
Although the link between oral health and overall health may be direct, indirect or coincidental; healthy teeth and gums are essential for maintaining your digestion. Digestion of food begins in the mouth, which is reason enough to make oral health a priority. In pyorrhea, the microorganisms destroy the structures surrounding the teeth like termites and if left untreated, tooth loss has a major negative impact on the quality of life of the individuals. Ultimately, it becomes the root cause of indigestion and nutritional problems.
It is wiser to prevent diseases than to cure them, and understanding the cause of the disease is half the battle. Ignoring problems only increases pain and expense. Giving up bad habits, maintaining oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist at least once a year are the keys to staying healthy for a long time.
