How Do Teeth Affect Our Brain And Other Organs?

Failure to maintain good health of oral tissues means bacteria find a way to penetrate the bloodstream and reach organs such as the heart, lung, kidney, or brain, thus causing grave internal infection. Current research also reveals an association between oral health and neurological degenerative conditions.

How is the mouth connected to all other organs?

The mouth is considered as a gateway to general health because it is responsible for our daily food intake. This way the mouth regulates the body’s nutrition every day. Painful teeth or bleeding gums affect the choice of food we eat and in turn, the overall nourishment. Moreover, the oral cavity maintains a critical balance between oral bacteria and healthy tissue. Failure to maintain good health of oral tissues means bacteria find a way to penetrate the bloodstream and reach organs such as the heart, lung, kidney, or brain, thus causing grave internal infection. Current research also reveals an association between oral health and neurological degenerative conditions.

What diseases can be caused by an unhygienic oral routine?

Oral health has been recognised as an essential component of overall wellbeing. Changes in oral health have an impact on systemic health. Tooth loss is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases, mortality, and reductions in quality of life. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that is highly prevalent worldwide, is an oral health condition with the most prominent links to diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and chronic renal disease. Poor oral health, including tooth loss, caries, and periodontal disease, maybe an unrecognised risk factor. They contribute to the development of cognitive impairment through dietary changes, malnutrition, and systemic inflammatory response. This causes an increased risk of stroke and dementia. It is also a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and plays a role in the development of endocarditis and recurrent pneumonia in elderly people.

Dementia: It is a form of acquired progressive loss of mental ability to process knowledge, learn, and understand things. It is the main cause of disability, dependence, and mortality, especially in the ageing population. A 10-year-long study has shown a significant relationship between dementia incidence and the number of missing teeth. The majority of dementia patients suffer from periodontal pockets and gingival bleeding. Dementia has been more common in individuals with removable dentures.

Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that destroys memory, shrinks the brain, and affects brain cells. It degenerates the functioning of mental health which leads to memory loss and confusion. During Alzheimer, loss of appetite may worsen which eventually gives rise to oral health problems. The bacterium, P.. gingivalis, appear to migrate from the mouth to the brain of some individuals as they age and a significant proportion of subjects go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Cardiovascular disease: A potential association exists between atherosclerosis i.e. plaque deposition in blood vessels and periodontal pathogens. There is a broad base of common genetic variants which increase both the risk of cardiovascular disease and periodontitis.

Endocarditis: Bacteremia, defined as the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream, is one precondition for endocarditis. The vast majority of bacteremia does not cause endocarditis, even in patients at high risk. However, in high-risk patients, bacteremia occurs more frequently and more intensely, hence the likelihood of endocarditis will increase. Periodontal therapy can have a protective effect in people at risk of endocarditis.

Diabetes: It has also been known that acute inflammation may lead to poor glycemic control. This is due to the fact that infections reduce the uptake of glucose into cells, and endotoxins and inflammatory mediators reduce the efficiency of insulin. Due to these pathogenic pathways, periodontitis has long been regarded as a risk factor for poor blood glucose control in diabetes patients

How to maintain good oral hygiene?

As we all know that oral hygiene plays a crucial role in protecting other organs of the body, we need to follow proper oral practices on daily basis. Adopt the following tips to keep your teeth charged and healthy.

• Visit a dentist every month

• Brush your teeth twice a day, especially at night

• Floss your teeth once a month

• Use a fluoride-free toothpaste

• Limit sugar intake

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Use mouthwash after every meal

• Wash hands before eating anything

• Clean your tongue

• No intake of tobacco

Oral health is an integral part of your overall health. Several studies have proven a direct contact between poor oral health and disease related to other organs. By neglecting dental hygiene people are at greater risk of developing brain and heart diseases. To avoid the risk one must promote good dental practices and visit the nearest dentist - which helps in empowering patients by improving oral health and wellness.