Dr. Kevin Molldrem: Oral Health & Overall Wellness

The first thing people notice about someone they meet is their smile, and a warm smile is something that is never forgotten. But do we do enough to keep our smiles? We have all assumed that oral health and general health are two distinct mechanisms that supposedly work differently. However, the mouth does not act as a passage for food; rather, it gives the body the nutrition it needs. It serves as a window for overall health and can indicate signs of different disorders that might exist in the body.

The Oral-Body Connection

According to Dr. Kevin Molldrem, there are two processes that have been proposed to explain the observed connections. First and foremost, long-term inflammation in the mouth can worsen the body’s overall disease burden, alter the immune system, and raise blood levels of inflammatory markers. Secondly, harmful bacteria may accumulate in the oral cavity and eventually find their way into the bloodstream, where they can cause systemic or distant-site pathologies (like bacteremia or systemic endotoxemia).

So, it’s important to take care of our mouths by practicing good oral hygiene and being aware of how medications or health conditions can affect our oral health. This can help prevent diseases and keep our mouths and bodies healthy.

What is the Point of Oral Hygiene?

There are over 700 different strains of bacteria in our mouths. While most of them are not harmful, some can have an adverse effect on your physical health if left untreated. The good news is that the human body has built-in defenses to fight off this bad bacteria. In addition to a good oral care habit, these are the best methods to keep dental and mouth infections in check. Some good oral health habits include:

• Brush your teeth 2-3 times a day.
• Use dental floss once a day.
• Clean your tongue regularly.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid too many sugary drinks and snacks.
• Try to drink less soda, coffee, and alcohol.
• Eat foods high in calcium to keep your teeth strong.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
• Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Conditions Affecting Dental Health

Some medical conditions first manifest as warning signs and symptoms, such as oral or dental infections. Let’s have a look at widespread diseases with oral symptoms, which include:

• Diabetes: It increases risk of severe gum disease due to lowered infection resistance.
• Alzheimer’s: Oral health declines as Alzheimer’s progresses.
• Osteoporosis: Weak bones lead to tooth loss, sometimes due to treatment side effects.
• Celiac or Crohn’s Disease: It can result in canker sores.
• Blood disorders: It may cause pale gums to be prone to bleeding.
• HIV/AIDS: It often leads to mouth lesions.
• Bulimia/Anorexia: Eating disorders can cause tooth staining.

Health Conditions Caused By Poor Oral Hygiene

Bad breath and complete tooth loss are not the only consequences of poor oral health.  Dr. Kevin Molldrem explains the most prevalent health conditions connected to oral health issues:

1. Heart Problems

When you don’t brush and floss regularly, bacteria in your mouth can build up and cause gum disease. This gum disease can lead to inflammation in your body, including in your blood vessels. Over time, this inflammation can make your blood vessels narrower and harder, which can lead to heart problems. It can even cause serious issues like blocked arteries, strokes, and a condition called endocarditis, where the lining of your heart becomes inflamed. People with gum disease are more likely to have these heart problems compared to those with healthy gums.

2. Lung Infections

The same bacteria that cause gum disease can also get into your lungs and cause infections like pneumonia. When you breathe in these bacteria, they can make your lungs sick. Gum disease can also weaken your immune system, which is your body’s defense against germs. This makes it harder for your body to fight off lung infections. If you already have lung problems like COPD (a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe), gum disease can make them worse.

3. Premature Birth

When a woman is pregnant, her body goes through a lot of changes, including in her hormones. These hormonal changes can make her more likely to develop gum disease. If a pregnant woman has gum disease, it can increase her chances of having her baby too early, before it’s fully developed. Babies born too early can have health problems when they’re born and even later in life. That’s why it’s really important for pregnant women to take good care of their teeth and gums. If they notice any problems, like bleeding gums or toothaches, they should see a dentist right away.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, it’s clear: our mouth health is linked to our overall well-being. Let’s act now to put our oral care first. Brush and floss daily, see your dentist regularly, and adopt healthy habits. These simple steps don’t just keep our smiles bright—they also help prevent bigger health problems. Dr. Kevin Molldrem concludes that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for more than just appearance. A healthy smile leads to a healthier you. Let’s make our oral health a priority for a happier, healthier life.