Believe it or not, your mouth, teeth and gums can say a lot about your oral health and overall well-being. In fact, those who dedicate the time and resources to maintain a healthy smile may be able to reap the benefits of good overall health for years to come.

Ultimately, even a tiny amount of saliva can teach a doctor about your general well-being. The Academy of General Dentistry points out more than 90 percent of systemic diseases produce oral signs and symptoms, and some of the oral conditions that may impact your overall well-being include:

Cardiovascular disease:

• Mayo Clinic notes recent research has shown that oral bacteria has been linked to clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease.

Endocarditis:

• An infection of the inner lining of the heart, endocarditis may occur if bacteria from the mouth or other parts of the body move through the bloodstream and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart.

Pregnancy and birth:

• Studies have indicated that periodontitis, a gum infection that can damage or destroy the bone and soft tissue that support the teeth, has been connected to low birth weight and premature birth.

Comparatively, various conditions may affect your oral health, including:

Diabetes:

• An individual who suffers from diabetes may be at greater risk of infection, and as such, he or she could be more susceptible to gum disease than others.

Osteoporosis:

• Osteoporosis may cause the bones to deteriorate rapidly over time and has been linked to periodontal bone and tooth loss.

Alzheimer’s disease:

• In many instances, an individual’s oral health will worsen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
• Although there are numerous risks that may impact your oral health, there are many easy ways to protect your teeth, gums and mouth, such as:
• Brush the teeth at least twice a day and use fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss the teeth daily.
• Replace your toothbrush roughly every three to four months.
• Set up regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Avoid tobacco consumption.

At Howard Healthcare Academy, we’re committed to helping students understand the link between an individual’s oral health and general well-being. We offer a comprehensive dental assistant training program that ensures students can gain insights into oral health issues and teach patients about these problems as well.

To find out more about Howard Healthcare Academy, please contact us today at (619) ACADEMY or via email at info@howardacademy.edu.