Did you know that your oral health is the window to your overall health? Without good oral hygiene, bacteria in your mouth can breed infection, mostly in the form of tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease can range from mild to severe. In severe cases where inflammation is present, your oral health plays a critical role in diseases. In turn, these diseases decrease the body’s ability to fight oral infection. Thus, the connection between oral and overall health is undeniable. The following are some diseases and conditions that are related to your oral health:
Endocarditis (infection of the heart): Bacteria from parts of the body, including the mouth, can travel through the bloodstream, wreaking havoc and causing infection. Endocarditis is caused when bacteria reaches the heart, attaching to the lining there and producing infection.
Heart Disease: It’s believed that the main culprit in heart disease related to oral health is inflammation. When there’s inflammation in the oral cavity (from gum disease or decay), individuals are more likely to develop heart disease, as well as clogged arteries and stroke.
Pregnancy: Severe gum disease, or Periodontis, has been linked to early birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes: Gum disease and Diabetes are intimately connected. On one hand, those with gum disease tend to have a harder time managing glucose levels. On the other, individuals with Diabetes are not able to fight infection as efficiently. Thus, one condition encourages the other.
Osteoporosis: With low bone density and weakened bones, those with Osteoporosis tend to be more susceptible to periodontal bone loss, resulting in tooth loss.
There’s no doubt—oral health is important, not only for healthy smiles, but for better health overall.
Frederick Dental values teaching patients about the health of their mouths, so that they can enjoy better oral and overall health for years to come. Are you up to date on your dental checkups? If not, do not worry. Frederick Dental is here to guide you towards the path of ultimate health. Call us today.