Oral health is way more than just the health of the health of the teeth, gums and mouth. As the mouth is a primary entryway into the body, bad oral health can cause negative consequences for the whole body. Gums that bleed, breath that smells bad and teeth that ache are all signs of poor oral health. Bacteria from the mouth may get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation and infections wherever it spreads. Dr. Kami Hoss in fact connects the dots between oral health and whole-body health in his groundbreaking book, and provides a roadmap to a longer, better future.
The entire mouth of a person, particularly their gums, does have a major impact on their overall health. The bacteria from inflammation of the gum disease can travel to the arteries in the heart, and cause conditions like Atherosclerosis or Endocarditis. In the latter, the inner lining of the heart ends up becoming inflamed and infected. In the case of Atherosclerosis, plaque develops on and thickens the inner walls of the artery, subsequently decreasing blow flow throughout the body. Such a situation may cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. There are situations when gingivitis bacteria might enter the brain through nerve channels or the bloodstream, and ultimately lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
Gum problems may cause respiratory infections or diabetic complications as well. Inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums for a long span of time can cause infections in the lungs or pneumonia. The periodontal disease essentially can make it difficult for the patients to control their blood sugar level, thereby worsening their diabetes. Tooth loss owing to gum disease may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis as well.
It is quite vital for expectant mothers to practice good oral hygiene. The hormonal changes in their body make it easier to develop oral infections. Any infection in the body of the mother also increases her risk of facing pregnancy complications.
Dr. Kami Hoss has extensively spoken about the connection between poor oral health and a host of physical diseases in his recently released book. He is an orthodontist with 24 years of experience, and hence has valuable knowledge about dental care and its implications. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr.Hoss has increased the conversation in the media and to the dental industry and the public, by choosing to discuss the impact of oral health on overall wellness, and how ensuring good dental care can be a key factor to staying healthy, especially amidst the pandemic. Poor oral health can actually increase the risk of Covid-19 associated complications. If people do not take good care of their mouth, they might experience bleeding and swollen gums, which is a symptom of gum disease. In gum disease, the mouth of the patient becomes infected with oral bacteria. Scientists in Britain found a link between oral bacteria and severe COVID-19 complications.