Health is a crucial part of our daily lives. Naval Harari once said that when you are healthy, you want many things, but when you are sick, you want only one thing—to get well. While you can glean the essential things in life from being sick, it is not fun, especially when you have a severe disease. 

Some diseases are sneaky and usually do not present symptoms until they are advanced. However, there are ways to know about the intricacies of your body and health before any illnesses advance. Your oral health, especially, can tell much about your overall health. The better it is, the higher the chances that your entire body is doing okay. 

How Does Oral Health Correlate With Your Overall Health?

Despite the common misconception, bacteria are found almost all over your body. However, the types of bacteria in your mouth are not the same as those in your stomach or intestines. Each form of bacteria has a particular function or effect on the specific body part. 

Your mouth is one of the most significant entry points into the rest of your body. Keeping the bacteria in the mouth at acceptable limits is critical to maintaining good health. You can do this through oral hygiene, like regular brushing and flossing. 

According to some studies, the bacteria associated with some oral conditions can lead to diseases. They have also found that some disorders may make you more susceptible to specific oral issues. 

What Can Poor Oral Health Cause?

Here are some conditions that may develop if you do not have good oral health.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a term that includes various conditions affecting the blood vessels and the heart. Some of these have been linked to oral health issues.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in America. It is also the most prevalent form of heart disease and can lead to heart failure, heart attacks, and other complications.

Stroke

Some studies show a strong link between periodontal disease and strokes. The most common strokes linked to oral health are those related to arteriosclerosis. 

Clogged Arteries

According to the studies, there are significantly more people with the condition who suffer from periodontal disease. Arteriosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels carrying blood and oxygen from your heart to your body build up plaque that leads to blockages. 

What Conditions Worsen Oral Health?

A common link between disorders affecting oral health is that most are systemic disorders. They both have common risk factors, which leads to a higher chance that if you have one, you have the other. The common risk factors are tobacco, a high-sugar diet, high-stress levels, and excessive alcohol. 

Osteoporosis

The condition affects the mineral density of your bones and your teeth. Specifically, it can lead to bone loss in your jaw.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing periodontal disease. It is especially common if they have poor diabetic management of the condition.

For more on oral health, visit Riverview Dental at our office in Corunna, Michigan. Call (989) 743 4851 to book an appointment today.