The Connection Between the Mouth and Body

By Anna Bird

When one thinks of his or her overall health, they probably don't think of the health condition of their mouth. Similarly, when something isn't feeling or functioning properly in his or her mouth they likely don't think that the cause may have originated somewhere else in the body or that no aspect of their overall health will be affected by their dental health issue.

Your mouth is a part of your body and is therefore connected to your overall health and wellbeing. They both are prone to disease and injury, requiring adequate care.

One can feel fine physically, but an assessment by a dentist can reveal an oral health issue that shows that all things concerning the patient's health is, in fact, not well.

Conversely, a medical issue can increase one's risk of getting certain types of oral health issues.

Below are some examples:

Gum disease can worsen into the more serious periodontal disease as the result of diabetes and HIV/AIDS, both of which lower the body's ability to fight infections.

Bacteria and germs from your mouth can enter the bloodstream and increase someone's risk of endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.

Periodontitis has been linked to premature births and low-weight births.

Infections of the mouth caused by oral bacteria can lead to clogged arteries, heart disease and the increased risk of stroke.

Dry mouth is a symptom of Sjogren's syndrome, eating disorders, cancer of the neck and head and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoporosis makes bone brittle and weak, including one's jaws. Those with osteoporosis may be a greater risk of bone loss in the jaw as well as tooth loss.

The worsening of one's oral health coincides with the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Pale gums, an overly red tongue that feels like it's burning and inflammation on the corners of the mouth are possible symptoms of anemia.

Possible oral symptoms of kidney failure includes dry mouth, excessively bad breath, abnormal, stunted tooth growth in children, ulcers on the gums and tongue and a strong metallic taste in the mouth.

Both the body and mouth require great care to keep them both healthy, strong and functioning properly.

Disease and injury in the body can affect one's oral health and injury and disease in the mouth can negatively affect one's overall health.

Knowing that the mouth is interconnected to the rest of the body also changes on how we are to go about caring for it.

If one takes his or her overall health seriously and something happened to it, how would he or she care for it? By administering medication or by stocking up on all-natural vitamins, minerals and a healthy diet?

If one utilizes holistic medicine for their body's health, should holistic dental health practices be used to care for one's mouth? Holistic dentistry is a safer and more beneficial way to care for one's oral health. With new discoveries and the availability of more essential oils, spices, herbs, vitamins and minerals, holistic dentistry has become a safe, healthy and effective way to treat dental issues. In addition, holistic dentistry is also beneficial in improving one's overall health.