Bad breath and toothaches aren’t the only reasons you should take care of your teeth and gums. Your oral health is also linked directly to your overall health.
Research has linked gum disease, such as periodontitis, to other health conditions, including: heart and kidney disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and even cancer. While the research has not established a clear and direct relationship there is still enough evidence to understand the connection.
Gum Disease & Heart Disease
Your gums are full of blood vessels, and your mouth is full of bacteria. Early stages of gum disease like bleeding gums allow the bacteria in your mouth to enter your bloodstream causing inflammation. While this is the early stages of gingivitis it can also spread through your body. Inflammation can damage your blood vessels, including those of the heart, and lead to hardened arteries. In a nutshell this makes it hard for blood to flow to your heart, putting you at a higher risk for heart attack or stroke.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Periodontal disease happens when your gums pull away from your teeth and small pockets form.Food can get trapped in the pockets, allowing bacteria in your mouth to cause inflammation. This also creates a toxin that causes your teeth and gum tissue to deteriorate and increases your blood sugar levels.
If periodontal disease goes untreated and gets worse, it will increase blood sugar, contributing to more time when the body functions with high blood sugar. This increases the risk for people with diabetes for diabetic complications. Patients with diabetes should make oral health a priority to help control their blood sugar levels.
Early Detection And Preventive Maintenance
Good oral hygiene and regular professional care can help prevent gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly and routine check-ups and professional cleanings from your dentist.
At Fort Bend Periodontics and Implantology, Dr. Bret Dyer and our talented team are driven by a desire to give you the healthy and beautiful smile you want. To do so, we focus on helping you achieve teeth and gums that function at their peak. From replacing missing teeth using dental implants to improving your smile with cosmetic treatments like gum recession repair, we provide top-notch modern dentistry that will leave you looking great.
If you have any concerns about your oral health or how to improve it reach out to Dr. Dyer today.
