How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health Costa Mesa, CA
Dental health and general health are connected. Although dentists cannot treat general health problems, they can help manage dental concerns in patients with chronic conditions. Dentists can also perform health screenings for certain conditions, such as oral cancer, and refer patients to general physicians and other medical providers as needed.
At Coastal Dental Group in Costa Mesa, we treat dental concerns with consideration for a patient’s overall health. We want to help you be the healthiest you can be. Call us today at (949) 287-4440 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
The Oral Health Connection
According to WebMD, the mouth acts as an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. It is a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Most of these are harmless and can be kept under control with proper oral health care and the body's natural defenses. However, without appropriate maintenance, disease-causing bacteria may accumulate over time.
Dental Health and Heart Health
It has been a long-established fact that there is a relationship between gum disease and heart disease. However, experts have yet to determine whether or not this is a causal relationship. Still, according to Harvard Health, several studies have supported the connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.
Dental Health and Diabetes
Dental health and diabetes have a bidirectional relationship, meaning they both affect each other directly. Diabetes reduces the body's ability to resist infection, making patients more at risk of developing gum disease. At the same time, those with gum disease tend to have more difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.
“According to WebMD, the mouth acts as an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. It is a natural breeding ground for bacteria.”
Risk Factors for Poor Oral Health
Certain conditions may make a patient more susceptible to poor oral health — and, in turn, poor overall health. Some of the two most noticeable are pregnancy and osteoporosis. For both conditions, taking preventative measures is key. Making regular visits to a dentist can catch oral health problems in their earliest stages or even prevent them.
Dental Health and Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at significantly higher risk for periodontal disease and cavities. These phenomena can occur due to changes in behavior, hormone levels, and diet. Furthermore, certain dental health issues may lead to pregnancy complications, such as premature birth.
Dental Health and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to become less dense and more brittle. It can affect any bone in the body, including the jaw. Once the jawbone loses enough density, it is not uncommon for tooth loss to occur.
“Certain conditions may make a patient more susceptible to poor oral health — and, in turn, poor overall health.”
The Impact of Oral Health on Bone Health
People who have osteoporosis may take prescription medications that damage the jawbone. This complication, though rare, can eventually lead to tooth loss and jaw deterioration. When taking osteoporosis prescriptions, individuals should have a bone loss screening.
Gum disease is one of the first indicators of osteoporosis due to its effect on bone health and density. Dentists can help prevent the development of gum disease in patients with osteoporosis through various oral health services, like more frequent teeth cleanings. If gum disease is already present, they can provide treatments to halt its progression. This is a proactive way to reduce the patient’s risk of advanced gum disease and tooth loss.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health in Costa Mesa, CA
Preventing Systemic Disease Related to Oral Health
When tooth decay and gum disease develop, the body's immune response causes inflammation, which results in symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. Ongoing dental inflammation may cause an increased immune response throughout the person's biological systems.
In addition, bacteria that gather in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause systemic infection. Systemic infection refers to an infection that spreads throughout the body systems, which can pose greater risks for other health conditions or worsen existing conditions. For these reasons, good dental hygiene is the first line of defense against cavities and periodontal disease that may lead to further health problems.
“Good dental hygiene is the first line of defense against cavities and periodontal disease that may lead to further health problems.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does dental health affect the rest of the body?
Q. How do pregnancy and osteoporosis put oral health at risk?
Q. How can oral health impact bone health?
Q. How can proper oral care prevent systemic disease?
People Also Ask
Q. What are some of the common dental conditions that occur during pregnancy?
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Maintaining Oral Hygiene at Home
Keeping regular dental appointments is crucial for maintaining oral health, as each patient requires personalized care. Luckily, there are many things patients can do on their own to take care of their teeth.
Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before bedtime. Germs and plaque accumulate throughout the day and should be removed whenever possible. It is essential to use proper technique while brushing and to remember to include the tongue. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also offer extra protection against tooth decay.
Flossing should be treated with the same importance as brushing, as it can help stimulate the gums while reducing plaque and inflammation. Those who have trouble using dental floss may want to look for alternatives, such as ready-to-use flossers. Swishing with a good quality mouthwash afterward also helps, as does drinking water, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugary and acidic foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the signs of oral health problems?
A. People should see a dentist if they experience pain, swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity in the mouth or gums. Chronic bad breath can also signify tooth decay. In severe cases, the person may have loose or missing teeth.
Q. What conditions have been linked to poor oral health?
A. Many people are surprised to learn how many conditions are linked to poor oral health. Diabetes, pulmonary, and cardiac disease are all linked to oral health conditions. Periodontal disease is also a complication of osteoporosis.
Q. How should I prepare for a visit with a dentist?
A. Patients should prepare for their first appointment by attaining their medical records or providing access to them. Write down any questions about oral health and how it may affect overall health. The dentist will ask for the patient's symptoms, medical history, medication use, habits, nutrition profile, and other information that can influence dental and systemic health, so have these details ready.
Q. Why is dental care important to overall health?
A. Many oral health conditions and systemic diseases do not produce symptoms until advanced stages. Screening by a professional can help treat any existing conditions or prevent future problems from happening. Regular dental visits also provide patients with access to treatments that can help prevent oral health problems from worsening.
Scan here to view this page, How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Our team at Coastal Dental Group may be able to help. Call us today at 949-287-4440 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
About our business and website security
- Coastal Dental Group was established in 2003.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Orange
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Coastal Dental Group on mobile
Back to top of How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health
QR code for How Proper Oral Hygiene May Improve Overall Health
Related Posts
A Dentist Recommends Proper Care For Dentures
Dentures are dentistry's answer to missing teeth, but it's important to care for them properly so that they function at their best. You have to clean them and store them properly if you want to keep them in good condition. Let's take a closer look at some of the top tips to care for them. Proper…
Ways That Clear Aligners Differ From Traditional Aligners
Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular and many are choosing them over traditional braces. They offer a range of benefits, which include a discreet treatment option, the ability to remove them while eating and brushing teeth and faster treatment times on average. Learning more about how clear aligners differ from traditional braces and why so many…
Welcome To Coastal Dental Group
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Costa Mesa, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Kid-Friendly Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dental Bonding, Gum Disease Treatment and Implant Crowns.
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Coastal Dental Group on mobile