The Link Between Dental Hygiene & General Health- Why to invest in Dental Cover?

Good dental hygiene does more than just keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh. Emerging research shows that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. This article explores how maintaining good dental health can significantly affect overall health, potentially reducing the risk of serious disease.

As an Insurance broker working closely with corporate clients to provide Medical Insurance as part of their Employee Benefits Programs, I often notice that the dental coverage is not added or prioritized. This observation has encouraged me to write this article.

I personally grew up in Sweden where dental hygiene is taken quite serious and we had a dental hygienist on a weekly visit for fluoride gargling in the schools. Every child from the age of 3 starts their dental journey with mandatory visits to the dental hygienist, and in the Swedish schools today, the weekly "fluoride-gargling's" are now history but the schools instead provides dental hygiene as part of the education and which builds the right knowledge of the importance of taking good care of our oral and teeth.

Did you know?- The Mouth-Body Connection

The mouth is a gateway to the body, filled with numerous bacteria, mostly harmless. However, poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions are not only localized but have implications for your entire system.

• Cardiovascular Disease

Research has indicated a link between oral health, specifically gum disease, and heart health. The theory is that inflammation in the gums can lead to inflammation in the blood vessels, increasing the risk for heart attack by making it harder for blood to travel throughout the body and increasing blood pressure. A study in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to the arteries' hardening and plaque development.

• Diabetes

For those living with diabetes, dental health is particularly crucial. Diabetics are more susceptible to periodontal disease, which in turn can exacerbate diabetes by making blood glucose harder to control. Conversely, effective management of gum disease can help improve blood sugar control, creating a beneficial cycle of improving overall health and managing symptoms.

• Respiratory Conditions

Poor oral health has also been linked to respiratory conditions. Bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth and swollen gums can be breathed into the lungs or travel there through the bloodstream. Once there, they can cause respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Pregnancy Complications

Gum disease has been shown to increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including premature birth and low birth weight. The theory is that oral bacteria release toxins, which reach the placenta through the mother's bloodstream and interfere with the growth and development of the fetus. Additionally, the body's natural response to these toxins can trigger premature labor.

• Alzheimer's Disease

Emerging research suggests a potential link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is associated with periodontitis, could migrate from the mouth to the brain, contributing to the brain inflammation, neural damage, and memory loss seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

Conclusion.

Maintaining excellent dental hygiene and regular check-ups with a dentist are crucial not only for your oral health but also as a proactive measure for your overall well-being. These steps are part of a holistic approach to health that includes good nutrition, regular physical activity, and managing stress. As research continues to develop, the connections between oral health and systemic diseases become clearer, highlighting the importance of brushing and flossing as part of a daily health regimen.

In summary, taking care of your dental health is an investment in your overall health, with benefits that extend far beyond your mouth.

Emily Almberg