Skip to main content
Change Current Site
C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics
Edward J. Healey Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Lakeside Medical Center
561-659-1270 |
Contact Us
Toggle navigation
Search all District sites
Search
Loading results...
More Results
Close
Main Navigation
About Us
Awards & Recognition
Board of Commissioners
Charter
In the Community
Newsroom
2024
2023
2022
2021
Timeline
Here for Your Health Articles
Here for Your Health Articles - 2020
Here For Your Health Articles - 2021
Employee Art Gallery
Lisa Hogans
Jenny Fernandez Feria
Ruth Cooper
For Patients
Health Access
District Cares Specialty Benefits
Maternity Care Program
Florida Medicaid Members
Hospital
Your Health Information
Billing & Financial Assistance
Find A Doctor
Find A Job
Patient Services
Visitors
About Us
Contact Us
Provider Login
Family Medicine Residency
Primary Care Clinics
Locations
Patient Services
Your Health Information
Contact Us
About Us
Find A Job
School Health Program
Student Medication Planning
Student Chronic Conditions Planning
#HCDSchoolHealthHeroes
Resources
Skilled Nursing & Rehab
Trauma System
Coordinated Trauma System
Trauma Hawk
Trauma Centers
Trauma Agency
Milestones in our Mission
Education and Prevention
Profiles of Success
Ground Transportation
For Providers
Provider Portal
District Cares Provider Handbook
Bulletins, Notices & Newsletters
Pharmacy Formulary
Ground Transportation
Resources
Compliance
Financials
Pharmacy
Public Meetings
Purchasing
Sponsored Programs
Request Public Records
Community Event Request
Podcast
COVID-19
The District Beat Newsletter
Careers
Skip to main content
You are here:
Home
About Us
Here for Your Health Articles
Here For Your Health Articles - 2021
Section Menu
About Us
Awards & Recognition
Board of Commissioners
Charter
In the Community
Newsroom
2024
January
February
May
July
August
2023
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
September
October
November
December
2022
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
December
2021
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Timeline
Here for Your Health Articles
Here for Your Health Articles - 2020
Here For Your Health Articles - 2021
Employee Art Gallery
Lisa Hogans
Jenny Fernandez Feria
Ruth Cooper
The Connection between Oral and Physical Health
Oral health has been described as the window into your overall health. The connection between oral health and physical health begins as soon as you open your mouth. Problems in your mouth, like tooth fractures and gum (periodontal) disease, can indicate underlying health problems. Other health problems can even be caused by your oral health.
Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts. Your mouth is also the location of many bacteria, some of which can cause disease. The body’s natural defenses and good oral health like brushing and flossing your teeth can help fight bacteria. This helps to prevent infections in the mouth including tooth decay and gum disease. Your saliva also plays an important role in fighting bacteria in your mouth. Saliva helps to wash away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.
A wide range of underlying health problems can affect your oral health. Diabetes can impact your body’s ability to fight infections and lead to gum disease. For diabetes, some studies point to a reciprocal relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Treating and controlling diabetes can improve overall oral health while at the same time, treating periodontal disease can reduce the need for insulin.
“Problems can exist without a patient realizing it, so early intervention is the key,” said John N. Cucuras, DDS, Dental Director for the C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics. “That is why regular dental check-ups are so important to help prevent tooth decay, keep your teeth and gums healthy, and give your dental provider the opportunity to detect any chronic illnesses like diabetes.”
The bone weakening disease, osteoporosis, can lead to periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Alzheimer’s disease can lead to worsening oral health as the disease progresses. Other conditions can be linked to oral health as well, including rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, eating disorders and an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth, known as Sjogren's syndrome.
Poor oral health can contribute to several conditions. Endocarditis, the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers and valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria spreads through your bloodstream and attaches to certain areas of your heart. Those bacteria can come from your mouth.
Oral bacteria have also been linked to other cardiovascular diseases with some research suggesting that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause. Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke.
Oral bacteria have also been linked to pregnancy and birth complications with ties between periodontitis and premature birth and low birth weight. Bacteria that travels from the mouth to the lungs can cause pneumonia other respiratory diseases.
The diseases and health conditions that can lead to oral health problems, as well the conditions that poor oral health can cause in other parts of the body, highlight the importance of good oral hygiene. Everyone should focus on good oral health by following a few simple practices:
•
Brush your teeth at least twice per day using a fluoride toothpaste
•
Floss your teeth daily
•
Use mouthwash to remove help remove food left behind after brushing and flossing
•
Replace your toothbrush at least every 3 months
•
Avoid using tobacco
•
See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings
Oral health is an essential part of staying healthy. From a dental perspective, a good oral hygiene routine will do wonders for your teeth, mouth, and smile. More importantly, practicing good oral hygiene should keep the rest of your body smiling as well.
If you and your family are interested in a dental check-up, the Health Care District’s C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics are providing dental services at locations throughout Palm Beach County. Patients can call 561-642-1000 to schedule an appointment or visit www.brumbackclinics.org.
Top
X