The mouth is the starting point of the digestive and respiratory tracts. It is our body's main connection to the surrounding environment and is also an indicator of the general health of these and other vital systems and organs.

The mouth is also the first protective barrier against the entry of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

Taking care of your oral health is a necessary preventive measure to stay healthy.

Also, paying attention to changes in the natural characteristics of the oral cavity helps to detect very common health problems in the population at an early stage.

The mouth: the main entrance to our body

The mouth is one of the most important organs in our body. As well as allowing us to speak, make sounds and communicate, it is also the route by which food is ingested and is involved in the breathing process.

However, like other routes of entry, the mouth is not without risk. It is also a gateway for micro-organisms, environmental pollutants, and other substances that could put health at risk.

What is the connection between oral health and general health?

The oral cavity is inhabited by a variety of micro-organisms, which form part of what is known as the 'oral microbial flora'. These microorganisms do not pose any health risk, as they are kept under control by the body's defence systems, among other things.

Together with proper oral hygiene, it is possible to prevent these microorganisms from gaining access beyond the oral cavity, preventing their spread and possible infections. A healthy and clean mouth offers excellent protection against multiple diseases and infections.

What does your mouth say about your health?

Another advantage of the mouth is that it shows characteristic symptoms of the presence or risk of other types of diseases.

Many of the symptoms of diseases affecting the internal organs can be seen directly in the mouth. It is enough to know how to observe the changes in the oral cavity to detect any health problems and to take the appropriate measures in each case.

What are the diseases that can be detected through the mouth? Let's take a look at the most common ones in the general population.

Oral health and cardiovascular disease

Inflammation of the gums, or periodontitis, is associated with various cardiovascular problems, clogged arteries, and even endocarditis. When gingival infection progresses, bacteria spread through the bloodstream and can directly affect the heart.

How does diabetes affect oral health?

People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gum inflammation and infection. When blood glucose is uncontrolled in the diabetic patient, some of the glucose in the blood passes into the saliva. This creates the perfect environment for the growth of oral bacteria and fungi, damaging the gums and increasing the risk of periodontitis.

Gastrointestinal problems and oral health

The mouth is part of the gastrointestinal system of each individual. When any health problem occurs, whether gastric or intestinal, there are a number of easily visible manifestations in the mouth. An example of this is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, characterised by bad breath and gradual wearing away of tooth enamel.

Oral signs of kidney disease

Chronic bad breath may also be a sign of kidney malfunction. This disease manifests with characteristic symptoms such as dry mouth and metallic taste. Kidney disease is also associated with periodontal disease, leading to various systemic infections.

Stress and oral health

Did you know that your mouth can also indicate a high level of stress or anxiety? When we feel stressed, the immune system is compromised, and opportunistic bacteria in the oral cavity take advantage of this to reproduce. This leads to red gums, sore and bleeding gums, and bad breath caused by the waste substances in dental biofilm that are deposited on the surface of the teeth and gums.

In addition to these signs, there are many other messages that the mouth can give us about the state of our health. Learning to detect these signs and symptoms and seeing a dentist is essential to treat them as soon as possible, while paying attention to oral health care to strengthen the natural barriers to entry.