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Why is oral health important? Most people don't realize that an astonishing 173 million North Americans are missing at least one tooth, and over 40 million have lost all their teeth. However, this isn't just about having a complete smile for photos—evidence shows that people who maintain most of their natural teeth until age 70 actually live longer than those with fewer than 20 teeth remaining.
Dental health extends far beyond the mouth, affecting the entire body in surprising ways. In fact, oral diseases can worsen other conditions like diabetes, while also potentially playing a role in serious health issues including endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, and even pneumonia. Children with untreated dental problems miss more school days and receive lower grades than peers who get regular dental care, showing how oral hygiene influences success from an early age.
Poor oral hygiene opens doorways to numerous serious health conditions. Research reveals a significant connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular problems, with bacteria from inflamed gums entering the bloodstream and damaging blood vessels. These oral bacteria have been found within atherosclerotic blood vessels far from the mouth.
Pregnancy outcomes can be severely affected by oral health issues. Pregnant women with periodontitis face a 52% greater chance of developing stomach cancer and significantly higher risks of delivering pre-term or low birth-weight babies.
Concerning respiratory diseases, poor oral health increases pneumonia risk substantially. Studies show people with higher numbers of dental caries and missing teeth face a 26.5% higher pneumonia risk. Conversely, frequent tooth brushing reduces this risk by 14.7%.
Cancer risk also rises with poor oral hygiene. Harvard research found individuals with periodontal disease have a 43% higher risk of esophageal cancer and 52% higher risk of stomach cancer. Those with severe periodontitis show a 24% increased risk of developing cancer overall.
Additionally, strong connections exist between oral bacteria and Alzheimer's disease. Research identified high levels of gingipain (an enzyme from oral bacteria) in almost all examined brains of Alzheimer's patients.
Diabetes and oral health share a bidirectional relationship—high blood sugar makes it harder to maintain mouth health while gum disease makes diabetes harder to manage.
Maintaining optimal oral health requires consistent daily habits. Brushing teeth thoroughly twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste is essential, including cleaning the tongue. Brushing should be done at a 45-degree angle to teeth using gentle, circular motions rather than harsh scrubbing.
Daily flossing or interdental cleaning is equally important, removing bacteria and food particles from areas toothbrushes cannot reach. Water flossers, dental picks, or interdental brushes offer alternatives for those who struggle with traditional floss.
Diet plays a crucial role in dental wellness. Consequently, limiting sugary foods and drinks prevents tooth decay. The average Canadian consumes approximately 40 kg of sugar yearly. Cheese, nuts, raw vegetables, and water are tooth-friendly alternatives that help maintain dental health.
Regular professional dental care remains vital. Dentists recommend checkups at least once or twice yearly. These visits help detect problems early, potentially saving patients from expensive and invasive treatments.
Tobacco use should be eliminated entirely, as it increases risks of oral cancer, periodontal disease, and implant failure. Studies show smokers have 85% higher periodontitis risk compared to non-smokers. Moreover, proper hydration is important, primarily by drinking water instead of sugary or acidic beverages.
For those with chronic conditions, special attention to dental care is necessary, as many medications cause dry mouth, increasing decay risk.
Regular dental care represents an investment in total wellness. Rather than viewing oral health as separate from general healthcare, consider it an essential component of your complete health strategy. Your mouth tells the story of your body's health, therefore listening to what it says could literally save your life.
