A smile on the face may be the first impression we give off to others, and definitely important for our appearance and reputation. However, good oral hygiene and oral care is way more than just our physical look, but it also reflects on our overall health. Perhaps, certain oral diseases might have an impact on the rest of our body as well.

What Is The Purpose of Oral Care?

As we know that the oral cavity is the entry point of the digestive system, and also a gateway for the respiratory system. So reasonably there will be some normal flora or bacteria in the mouth. Under normal circumstances, these flora or bacteria are harmless, they are unable to enter our body and also we have a natural defense mechanism in our oral cavity to prevent infections. Therefore, good oral hygiene and oral care such as brushing and flossing on a daily basis is crucial to keep germs under control and to maintain the harmony in the oral cavity.

If this balance in the oral cavity was disrupted, causing overgrowth of the bacteria; and/or breakdown of the defense mechanism, in cases like poor oral hygiene, smoking, caries or so, there will be a risk of contributing to various diseases and health conditions. For examples:

• Infective Endocarditis (IE)

Infective endocarditis is a condition where the inner lining of the heart tissues, endocardium is infected. This usually happens when the bacteria or germs from another part of the body, such as the oral cavity or mouth, travel through the bloodstream, circulate and adhere to the specific tissue in the heart. This disease is not uncommon especially in case of immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive patients. Specific antibiotic treatment is required to be discussed as per cases to prevent complications.

• Cardiovascular Diseases

Some evidence shows that inflammation and infections of the heart can be caused by oral bacteria, which may be connected to the formation of thrombosis, blocked heart vessels, and even stroke.

• Complications In Pregnancy

Pregnant ladies nowadays are requested to have oral check-ups during their pregnancy, because there are cases reported that pre-term delivery and low birth weight babies have been associated with periodontitis. Periodontitis is an oral condition where gums are inflamed accompanied by plague and callus formation around the teeth.

• Lung Infections

Also known as pneumonia. Some bacteria in the oral cavity may enter the lungs or respiratory system, causing pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. This is less likely to happen in healthy individuals, but more common in immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive patients.

Conditions Which Potentially Impact On The Oral Health

There are certain health conditions and habits which may potentially affect oral health. For example, poor controlled diabetes mellitus may cause weakened immune system; immunodeficiency in case of HIV infection; immunosuppressive in case of prolonged steroid treatment or chemotherapy. Furthermore, eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, some malignancies, and anny immune system illness that produces dry mouth, Sjogren’s syndrome are among the other health problems that may be connected to oral health.

The habits which may alter the oral health are cigarette smoking, chewing of betel leaves of betel nuts, poor brushing or flossing technique or so. These health conditions and habits needed to be taken care of to maintain a good oral health, hence preventing other health complications.

How To Maintain Good Oral Health?

So back to the basics, practicing good oral hygiene is the mainstay.

• Brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste for at least twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Mouthwash can be used to eliminate food particles that have remained after brushing and flossing.
• Consume a nutritious diet that is low in added sugars.
• Change your toothbrush every three months, or whenever the bristles are frayed or splayed.
• Regular dental examinations and cleanings, yearly or every 2 years.
• Cigarette smoke should be avoided.

It’s advisable to take Covid 19 Vaccine.