The Impact of Dental Care on Your Overall Health
Oral health is much more than just a beautiful smile; it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. Various studies and experts agree that poor oral hygiene can trigger or worsen multiple systemic diseases. Below, we explore how dental care influences general health, supported by various specialized sources.
1. Cardiovascular Diseases
Bacteria present in the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, contributing to the formation of plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, these bacteria can cause endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
2. Diabetes and Oral Health
There is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetics can affect the immune response, allowing bacteria in the mouth to proliferate. In turn, periodontitis can make blood glucose control more difficult, creating a harmful cycle.
3. Pregnancy Complications
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to gum disease. Poor oral health during this stage has been associated with risks such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
4. Respiratory Diseases
Oral bacteria can be inhaled into the lungs, causing respiratory infections such as pneumonia or exacerbating existing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic inflammation of the gums can contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and affect the joints, worsening the symptoms of this autoimmune disease.
6. Dementia and Brain Health
Research suggests that bacteria from gingivitis can reach the brain, causing inflammation and neuronal damage, which may be related to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
7. Pancreatic Cancer
Studies have found that people with periodontal diseases are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, possibly due to chronic inflammation and the presence of specific bacteria.
8. Digestive Problems
The loss of teeth or wear on molars can affect chewing, leading to poor digestion and chronic stomach issues.
9. Rheumatic Fever
The bacteria responsible for cavities can, in extreme cases, enter the bloodstream and trigger rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that affects the heart, joints, and other tissues.
10. Impact on Patients with Chronic Illnesses
For people with chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, maintaining good oral health is essential, as oral infections can complicate the management of these conditions.
11. Unequal Access to Dental Care
In Spain, despite having a high density of dentists, only a small percentage work in the public healthcare system, limiting access to dental care for people with limited economic resources. This lack of access can increase the risk of systemic diseases related to oral health.
12. Harmful Practices for Oral Health
Using certain products, such as alcohol-based mouthwashes, can be harmful if used without professional supervision, as they can dry out the mucous membranes and contain harmful substances. Also, practices like lip and tongue piercings can cause infections or damage to the gums.
13. Orthodontics and General Health
Orthodontics not only improves dental aesthetics but is also essential for a healthy life. Poor dental alignment or malocclusion can cause muscular problems, digestive issues, joint pain, headaches, and even back discomfort. Additionally, a misaligned bite can hinder oral hygiene, leading to cavities, gum bleeding, and tooth wear, affecting the entire body since the mouth is the entry point to the digestive system.
14. Importance of a Preventive Routine
To maintain good oral health, it’s essential to follow a preventive routine that includes using a rounded-head electric toothbrush to adapt to each individual tooth and reach interdental spaces, as well as a toothpaste with stannous fluoride to protect the gums against plaque. As a complement, a mouthwash with bioavailable cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), formulated at 0.07%, is recommended to help reduce plaque, as well as interdental brushes that remove plaque that accumulates between teeth, where the regular brush cannot reach. Additionally, dental floss is essential to remove debris and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. These routines help prevent not only cavities but also more serious diseases such as periodontitis.
15. Emotional and Social Consequences of Poor Oral Health
Oral health also affects psychological and social well-being. Those who suffer from severe dental problems—such as missing teeth, bad breath, or periodontal diseases—may experience insecurity, anxiety, and social isolation. This impacts self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and even job performance. According to the General Council of Dentists of Spain, 60% of citizens have experienced pain or discomfort that has affected their daily life, especially in social settings.
16. Impact on Children’s Health
Oral hygiene is essential from childhood. Cavities in children not only affect baby teeth but can also impact speech development, nutrition, and even self-esteem. Moreover, children who develop poor oral hygiene habits are at greater risk of maintaining harmful behaviors into adulthood. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics recommends starting oral hygiene from the eruption of the first tooth.
17. Influence of Stress on Oral Health
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, increase the production of stomach acids, and contribute to harmful habits such as bruxism (teeth grinding), which causes enamel wear, tooth sensitivity, and jaw pain. Additionally, stress reduces saliva production, favoring bacterial growth. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a clear association between elevated cortisol levels and worsening oral health.
18. The Tongue and Its Role in Oral Health
Cleaning the tongue is an often-overlooked aspect of oral hygiene. Its surface accumulates bacteria, dead cells, and food debris that can cause bad breath (halitosis) and even infections. A study from the University of Michigan showed that the use of tongue scrapers significantly reduces the bacterial load in the mouth.
19. Relationship with Gut Microbiota
The oral cavity hosts the second-largest microbial community in the human body after the gut. This oral microbiota interacts with the intestinal one: an imbalance in the mouth can alter the digestive system and vice versa. Additionally, some oral bacteria, if they migrate, can colonize organs like the liver, causing chronic inflammation. A review published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology in 2023 analyzed this emerging phenomenon.
20. Technological Advances in Dental Care
Dentistry has significantly evolved in recent years with technologies like sonic toothbrushes, 3D printers for customized prosthetics, artificial intelligence for diagnostics, and minimally invasive laser treatments. These innovations improve precision, reduce pain, and shorten recovery times. The use of intraoral scanners even allows detection of cavities before they are visible to the naked eye.
Conclusion
Oral health is not merely an aesthetic or isolated issue. Its impact extends to all human body systems: cardiovascular, immune, digestive, neurological, and emotional. According to oral health experts at Clínica Dental San Sebastián, proper oral hygiene can prevent serious diseases, improve quality of life, and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Maintaining good oral health not only requires proper daily habits but also fair and universal access to dental services.
To achieve this, education from early childhood, investment in prevention by public institutions, and the implementation of oral health policies that consider dental care as an essential part of overall health are fundamental.
