subject: Your Baltimore Dentist Helps You Understand The Periodontal And Systemic Connection For A Healthier [print this page] Bacteria that may be under your gums is directly related to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Good oral health can give you a beautiful smile and an improved self-esteem. The majority of patients understand the importance of regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups. But recent studies within the past decade have suggested a link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and the likelihood of delivering low-birth weight infants, developing heart disease, and having difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Heart Disease Linked to Gum Disease
According to the American Heart Association, poor dental care could increase an individual's chances of developing heart disease. Diseased gums release higher levels of toxic bacterial components into the bloodstream, and as a result, the harmful bacteria in the blood have the ability to travel to other organs in the body, including the heart. Prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating on your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene. Your Baltimore dentist can work with you to develop a dental plan that will reduce your risk of stroke and heart complications.
Diabetes Associated with Oral Infections
Because diabetics are much more susceptible to contracting infections, these individuals are also more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. And severe cases of periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, putting diabetics at an increased risk for other serious health complications. Without treatment, harmful gum disease and infection can result in the destruction of oral tissues and bone surrounding the tooth, and eventually tooth loss.
With that being said, diabetics should pay close attention to the health of their teeth and gums and visit their dentist regularly. If you suffer from one or more of the following complications, you may have tooth and gum damage caused by diabetes:
*Red, tender, swollen gums
*Sensitive or loose teeth
*Change in bite
*Bleeding gums
*Bad breath
*Receding gums
Begin Prevention at Home
Our mouths are full of bacteria, which constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing help rid your mouth of plaque, but when plaque is not removed it can harden, forming a tartar that routine brushing doesn't clean. Only a cleaning from your dentist in Baltimore can remove the tartar. Regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontal disease, but you play an important role in preventing tartar from forming. Some simple measures you can take to keep your teeth healthy include:
*Brush your teeth twice a day
*Floss every day
*Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
*Do not smoke
*Eat right
The most important way to prevent gingivitis and later stages of gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. Choosing the right toothbrush is also important for gum disease prevention. Softer brushes are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often seem to encourage better brushing habits.
Talk to your Baltimore dentist today for more information on how you cannot only protect your oral health, but your overall health as well. Heart disease, and diabetic complications can be prevented with basic oral hygiene, and as your oral health improves, so will your total body health.
