subject: The Periodontal And Systemic Connection- Understanding The Link Between Your Oral And Overall Healt [print this page] Your oral health is not only important to your appearance and sense of well-being, but it is also important to your overall health. Recent studies have shown that oral diseases are directly linked with our quality of life and total body health. By maintaining proper oral health you need to keep your teeth free from cavities and prevent gum disease. Poor oral health can affect your appearance and self-esteem. If you suffer from poor oral health, it can also affect your ability to chew and digest food properly.
Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common oral diseases, affecting people worldwide. Not only can periodontal disease affect our teeth and gums, but it can also lead to serious diseases and conditions throughout the entire body, including heart disease and diabetes. With proper care from your Atlanta cosmetic dentist, and an effective at-home dental regimen, you can protect your teeth from periodontal disease while protecting your entire body.
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem because there is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket. The development of pockets are signs for the worsening of the disease because as the depth of the pockets are greater, the more severe the disease.
Some warning signs of gum disease include:
*Gums that easily bleed
*Red, swollen, tender gums
*Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
*Persistent bad breath or bad taste
*Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
*Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
*Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Heart Disease and Your Oral Health
With recent research, it has been shown that people who suffer from periodontal disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease than those who have healthy gums. 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. By improving your daily oral hygiene, you can help prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating on your teeth and gums. If you suffer from chronic gum disease, you are at a much higher risk of developing heart disease than those with healthy gums. With help from your dentist in Atlanta, you can develop a proper dental health plan that can help to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart complications.
Diabetics Beware - Maintain Proper Dental Health
Diabetes impairs white blood cells, which are the body's main defense against infections. Because of this, diabetics are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. In severe cases of periodontal disease, blood sugar levels can increase, which can lead to an increased risk for diabetic complications. If left untreated, gum disease and infection can result in the destruction of oral tissues and bone surrounding the tooth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
If you have diabetes it is important to pay extra attention to your oral health, in addition to visiting your dentist in Atlanta regularly. In doing so, you can help prevent cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, and other serious infections. Talk to your Atlanta dentist today for more information on how you can protect your mouth and body.
