subject: The Perio-cardio Connection- Protect Your Mouth And Protect Your Body [print this page] In many cases, your overall health is mirrored by the condition of your mouth. Visiting your dentist every six months can help to further identify diseases in their earliest stages, where treatment has a higher success rate. A regular dental exam allows your dentist in Raleigh to keep your mouth healthy and to watch for developments that may point to problems in other parts of your body. Your dental exam can also pick up on poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems, and improper jaw alignment.
Certain medical conditions of the body have early oral manifestations. With regular visits, you can successfully maintain a healthy oral environment by controlling oral infections from the body that can cause caries and periodontal disease. The following are conditions that have an oral-systemic connection:
*AIDS
*Autoimmune Conditions
*Diabetes
*Heart disease
*Human papilloma virus
*Pancreatic cancer
*Stroke
Understanding Gum Disease
As gum disease progresses, the bone tends to recede. In some cases, the root of your tooth can become exposed, causing tooth sensitivity. Since bone recession is not visible to the naked eye, left untreated it, may contribute to tooth loss. It is very important to visit your dentist for professional examinations and dental cleanings to effectively and properly identify gum disease.
Some common signs of gum disease include:
*Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or flossing
*Sensitive, red or swollen gums
*Bad breath
*Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted
Many people may not even be aware that they have gum disease, because it is often not painful. Additional gum disease symptoms include mouth sores, itchy gums, bad breath, an unpleasant taste and gum recession. Each cause of gum disease can be corrected and controlled. While poor hygiene is usually the main cause of gum disease, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to the development of it as well, including:
*Smoking
*Diabetes
*Certain medications
*Substance abuse
*Pregnancy
*Genetics
*Stress
*Poor nutrition
Cardiovascular Health and Gum Disease
One of the main connections between oral health and systemic health is with the health of your heart. Chronic gum disease can lead to the development of heart disease because your mouth is the pathway to the rest of your body. Studies show that oral health can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease and it can be identified through a visit to your dentist.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 80 percent of Americans suffer from gum disease. Signs of gum disease include bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, sores in your mouth, and several other symptoms. By brushing and flossing regularly, in addition to frequent visits to your dentist, you can help to prevent gum disease.
Protect your mouth and you can potentially protect the development of other systemic health issues related to your oral health. Maintain regular dental visits with your Raleigh, NC dentist and you can remain on the right track to a healthy smile and body.
