There’s an old saying that goes like this: pain is the body’s way of showing that it’s facing a problem, and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Pain can be felt in specific parts of the body. This post will focus on oral pain and its connection to systemic health. Keep on reading to learn more.
What Is Oral Pain?
Oral pain, as described by American dental experts like The Smilist Dental Huntington in New York, is any pain or discomfort in the mouth and its adjacent areas. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including yet aren’t limited to the following:
- Tooth decay;
- Gum disease;
- Canker sores;
- Cold sores;
- Dry mouth;
- Wisdom teeth;
- Teeth grinding;
- Injuries to the mouth; and the like.
What Is Systemic Health?
Systemic health refers to the overall health of the body. It includes the health of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys, brain, and other internal and external organs.
How Are Oral Pain And Systemic Health Connected?
The human body consists of several organs that have their own distinct functions. They’re grouped together to form organ systems that each play a vital role in sustaining life.
Hence, it’s believed that when something is wrong with one component of the body, the rest suffers as well. This is the case when it comes to oral health and overall well-being.
Experts regard the mouth as the gateway to the body. This holds true due to the fact that the food that nourishes and fuels the body uses the mouth as its main entryway. This means that bacteria and other harmful substances in the mouth can easily enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
Oral pain can be a sign of a serious systemic health condition. For example, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
What Are The Systemic Diseases That Have Been Linked To Oral Health Problems?
The following systemic diseases have been linked to oral health problems:
- Heart disease;
- Stroke;
- Diabetes;
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Pregnancy complications;
- Respiratory infections; and others.
What Are The Mechanisms By Which Oral Health Problems May Contribute To Systemic Diseases?
There are a few different ways in which oral health problems may contribute to systemic diseases.
One way is through inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. Nonetheless, chronic inflammation can damage tissues and organs throughout the body.
Another way in which oral health problems may contribute to systemic diseases is through the spread of harmful microorganisms. If left unchecked, the spread of dangerous microorganisms from the mouth to other organs of the body can negatively impact overall well-being.
How To Maintain Good Oral Health To Reduce The Risk Of Systemic Diseases
The best way to maintain good oral health and reduce the risk of systemic diseases is to:
- Brush your teeth two times each day for at least two minutes with a high-quality toothpaste infused with fluoride;
- Floss your teeth at least once everyday;
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings;
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods;
- Quit smoking;
- If there are any forms of oral pain, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist and/or doctor as soon as possible; and the like.
Conclusion
Medical experts believe that oral health and systemic health are closely connected. The points mentioned above have covered the aforementioned topic.
As a golden rule, if you suffer from persistent oral pain, reach out to your physician and/or dentist.
