When it comes to good overall health, the teeth are often overlooked. We tend to think of teeth as primarily cosmetic when in reality, oral health is linked to physical health and the risk of a number of chronic conditions. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the organs, and when it becomes diseased, so too can the body.
“Your mouth is the primary way bacteria enters your body. Bacteria can travel from areas like infected gums through the bloodstream to other parts of your body,” says Shashwat Patel of Hamilton Dental in Hamilton, Ontario. “Decaying teeth and gum disease also adversely impact nutrition because when people can't chew well that affects overall health.”
Research has also shown that poor oral health is linked to a laundry list of chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, infections, and poor quality of life.
