As much as your think oral hygiene is just about taking care of your teeth, it is actually important for the health of your entire body. In fact, some very serious health conditions throughout the body are actually caused by or linked to poor oral health. Seeing your dentist in Melbourne on a regular basis as well as maintaining your smile at home can make a world of a difference when it comes to your overall wellbeing. Continue reading to learn what health issues you could be avoiding in the future.
Cardiovascular Disease
If you have poor oral health, you are putting yourself at risk for heart disease. This is because when the gums are inflamed as a result of periodontal disease, bacteria can get into your bloodstream and cause the arteries to build up plaque and harden. This Is very serious and can lead to blood flow problems, heart blockages, and increased risk of heart attacks.
Diabetes
This disease makes people more susceptible to infection, which can worsen periodontal disease in the mouth. The problem also goes the other way around. If you have periodontal disease, you can develop higher than normal blood sugar levels which makes it more likely that you will develop diabetes as well as making diabetes much harder to keep under control.
Pregnancy Complications
Hormonal changes that take place in the body during pregnancy can make it more likely that a woman will develop oral infections. Periodontitis and gingivitis have been known to lead to premature birth and low birth weights in infants. Overall, it can put both the mother and baby at risk for serious health issues.
Dementia
If your gums are inflamed from an oral infection, it can actually kill brain cells and cause memory loss. When the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream as a result of gingivitis or periodontitis, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can result.
Cancer
Poor oral health practices, like frequent heavy drinking and using tobacco products can make oral and throat cancers more likely. But did you know that kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancer are much more likely to develop in those who have poor oral health? Taking steps to prevent gum disease should be a priority!
Kidney Disease
This is a serious health problem that affects the heart, bones, blood pressure, and kidneys. People with gum disease generally have a weaker immune system because their body is working so hard to fight off infection in the mouth. This makes it more likely to acquire additional infections throughout the body. These infections can lead to kidney disease which can become fatal.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
The thing that gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis have in common is inflammation. The bacteria that grows in the mouth and causes gingivitis can increase inflammation throughout the body. This makes it much more likely that you will develop this painful and debilitating inflammatory disease.
Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the best things you can do for your body when it comes to prevention. Brush and floss daily, avoid tobacco products, and see your dentist every six months so early signs of gum disease can be addressed.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose provides a wide array of services, including gum disease treatment, at her practice in Melbourne, FL. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has been in private practice for 24 years. Dr. Rose is an alumnus if the prestigious Las Vegas Institute and she regularly attends clinical seminars through the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (321) 259-4666.