Conditions Linked to Dental Health
Dental Health and its Associated Conditions
The dental industry has made significant advancements with the emergence of complete health dentistry, which recognizes the connection between oral and general health. The mouth serves as the gateway to the body and reflects a person's overall health. Complete health dentists prioritize systemic relief by applying modern dentistry techniques that consider this connection.
Maintaining good oral hygiene can lead to fewer general health issues, as proper oral care can help prevent certain conditions and diseases. By understanding and addressing the oral-systemic link, individuals can greatly improve their health and well-being.
If you are interested in learning more about complete health dentistry, Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area offers this approach. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule a consultation appointment and discover how we can help you improve your oral and general health.
Habitual versus Genetic
Habitual
Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining good oral health throughout a person's life, starting from birth. Dental issues caused by behavior, habits, and maintenance can impact oral health at any age. It is important to brush teeth 2-3 times a day, floss daily, rinse before and after meals, and visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to ensure healthy adult teeth.
Genetic
Many oral health conditions are largely influenced by genetics and may not be within an individual's control. Typically, these conditions are a result of a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences. Some oral conditions that have been found to have a genetic component include periodontal disease, cavities, tooth decay, oral cancer, cleft lip or palate, and misaligned teeth. Neglecting proper oral hygiene can exacerbate these conditions and have an impact on other bodily systems.
Preventing These Issues
Taking care of an infant's oral health from an early age, by wiping down or brushing their gums multiple times a day, is crucial in reducing the risk of developing other diseases later in life. Conditions like gingivitis, periodontal disease, and oral cancer can be effectively treated by a dentist through surgeries and other treatments if detected early.
“In most cases, health conditions are a combination of genes and environment.”
Tooth Decay and Sensitivity
The main reason for tooth decay is cavities and caries, which occur when the enamel of the tooth breaks down. As the tooth structure deteriorates, sensitivity to hot and cold food, drinks, air, and temperature increases in the teeth and surrounding areas. This sensitivity can cause bleeding or discomfort during brushing and flossing, ultimately resulting in inadequate oral hygiene.
Cavities can also cause other effects
Cavities are the main reason for tooth decay and tooth loss. The CDC warns that untreated tooth decay can result in a severe infection called an abscess under the gums, which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, consequences. Infections such as gum disease and, in severe cases, periodontal disease can greatly affect the body systems, particularly the digestive and respiratory tracts.
“As tooth structure decays, the teeth and surrounding areas become sensitive to hot and cold food, drink, air, and temperature.”
Teeth that are cracked and broken
Cracked teeth can occur in various ways, such as craze lines, cracked cusps, cracked teeth, and split teeth. Craze lines, common in adults, are surface enamel cracks that may eventually lead to a cracked tooth. Cracked cusps can result in a broken tooth, while cracked and split teeth require immediate attention to prevent damage to other parts of the mouth, particularly the gums.
Cracked or broken teeth can lead to various oral and overall health issues, as cracks can harbor bacteria and cause infections. The Oral Health Foundation warns that untreated cracked teeth can result in nerve death and the development of abscesses, which are filled with pus and bacteria. When an abscess ruptures, bacteria can spread through different pathways in the body.
“Cracked or broken teeth can cause many oral and general health problems, as cracks give way to bacteria and infection.”
Oral cancer affects the mouth and throat
Behavioral factors such as smoking, excessive drinking, and poor nutrition are the most common causes of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Individuals with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing these cancers due to their body's reduced ability to fight off bacteria and infections. Additionally, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can also lead to oral cancers by affecting the mouth and throat.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in lowering the risk of oral cancers and preventing overall oral and general health issues. The American Cancer Society has highlighted that the health of the mouth, teeth, and gums can impact the risk of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer due to changes in the mouth's normal bacteria. Poor oral hygiene may contribute to these cancers through bacterial infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
“Oral hygiene plays an important role in both reducing risk of oral cancers and preventing oral and general health concerns.”
Link Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Gum disease is the main cause of tooth decay, tooth loss, and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. The CDC has found that certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, and heredity, can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Gum and periodontal disease, which are characterized by sensitive and inflamed gums, are linked to decay and can lead to tooth and bone loss if left untreated.
Diabetes is another common condition that is both affected by and affects gum disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease by reducing the body's resistance to infection. People with diabetes are more likely to have severe gum disease, as they may have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels. Proper gum and periodontal care can help manage diabetes, while maintaining stable blood sugar levels can also help prevent gum and periodontal disease.
