The lesser-known implications of poor oral health, especially for women
When most people think about visiting the dentist, they often imagine routine cleanings, fillings or the dreaded sound of a drill.
However, what many don’t realise is that dental care can play a crucial role in the overall health, particularly in enhancing respiratory health, especially for women.
It’s surprising to learn that the mouth is closely linked to our respiratory system. Poor oral hygiene and gum disease, known medically as periodontal disease, can have a direct impact on respiratory health.
Bacteria and inflammation in the mouth don’t just stay there; they can travel to the lungs, according to health experts. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
For women, this connection is even more significant. Due to hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy and menopause, women are more susceptible to periodontal disease.
If left untreated, this can increase the risk of developing serious respiratory conditions.
Aspiration pneumonia is a serious concern, particularly for older women. This condition occurs when food, saliva or bacteria from the mouth accidentally enters the lungs, leading to infection.
Certain dental conditions, such as poor swallowing function or dry mouth, can increase the risk of this happening. However, proper dental care and managing these issues can significantly reduce the risk.
Breathing is something we do instinctively, yet most of us don’t give it a second thought.
According to Dr Sheryl Smithies, a leading aesthetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic practitioner based in Cape Town, breathing well is fundamental to our overall health – especially for women.
Smithies explained how modern dentistry can have a transformative impact on respiratory health, highlighting the often-overlooked connection between proper breathing and holistic well-being.
It’s easy to underestimate the importance of breathing correctly. Smithies emphasised that proper breathing ensured our bodies receive adequate oxygen, which is essential for all cellular functions and energy production.
When we don’t breathe deeply or correctly, the amount of oxygen in our bloodstream is limited, and the expulsion of toxic waste products is compromised.
This can have a ripple effect on our health, leading to symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
“For women, adequate oxygenation is crucial,” Smithies noted. She explained that oxygen played a significant role in influencing hormone balance, reducing stress hormones, and supporting overall health.
“Poor breathing can lead to a cascade of issues, starting with general fatigue and progressing to more severe health problems.”
The jaw’s role in respiratory health
One aspect of breathing that is often overlooked is the structure of the jaw, particularly the maxilla, or upper jaw. Smithies highlighted the significant impact that the shape and size of the maxilla can have on our ability to breathe well.
A narrowed maxilla, which can result from mouth breathing during childhood growth, can restrict the nasal passages and airways.
This restriction can force the lower jaw backwards, reducing the space available for the tongue and potentially leading to sleep-related breathing disorders like snoring or even sleep apnoea.
Smithies explained that modern dentistry now offered solutions to address these structural issues.
By correcting the alignment and size of the maxilla, dental professionals can help improve breathing, reduce the risk of sleep disorders, and ultimately enhance overall health.
A holistic approach to health
Smithies’ insights underscore the importance of viewing health from a holistic perspective. Breathing is not just about taking in air – it’s about ensuring that our bodies are functioning optimally at every level.
For women, in particular, proper breathing supports hormone balance, reduces stress, and contributes to overall well-being.
How dentistry can help
Modern dentistry provides solutions to enhance breathing by expanding the jaws, thereby widening the airway from the nose to the lungs.
Orthodontic treatments, such as invisible aligner therapy, effectively widen dental arches, significantly improving airflow and overall respiratory function.
In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
"With advanced digital design technology, dentists can precisely plan treatments using 3D models and X-rays," explained Smithies.
"Clear aligners offer predictable outcomes with minimal invasiveness, providing a practical solution to improve breathing and enhance quality of life."
By addressing underlying issues related to jaw structure and dental alignment, modern dentistry offers powerful tools for those looking to enhance their respiratory function and quality of life.
Consulting with a knowledgeable dentist can be a transformative step toward better health.