subject: Proper Oral Health Care Can Help Ensure A Healthy Body [print this page] Problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body, further proving the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene. Studies suggest that periodontitis is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia, among other diseases. Some diseases are associated with an increased risk of infections, such as diabetes, which increases the risk of gingival and periodontal inflammation and infections. When there is an underlying condition in play, your dentist may be able to draw an important connection between your oral health and your overall health.
The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Your Heart
Gum disease affects approximately 80 percent of American Adults, with signs including bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, sores in the mouth and receding gums, among other symptoms. You can prevent plaque build-up and minimize your chance for developing gum disease by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.
If you have heart disease:
*Establish and maintain a healthy mouth.
*Make sure your dentist knows you have a heart problem.
*Carefully follow your dentist's instructions about health care.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, your mouth is the pathway to the body, and people who have chronic gum disease are at a higher risk for heart attack and heart disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque build-up and when bacteria from infected gums dislodge, they can enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. Clots decrease the blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Diabetes and Your Oral Health
Bleeding gums, dry mouth, fungal infections and cavities are all signs that might be a clue as to a serious health issue: diabetes. These symptoms can also suggest other serious conditions such as HIV and leukemia. Studies show that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease.
Oral infections appear to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients because they may experience diminished salivary flow and a burning sensation of the mouth or tongue which can lead to a higher incidence of tooth decay. If you are a diabetic it is important to control your blood sugar levels, otherwise there is a tendency for increased oral health problems, especially gum recession.
Diabetics who receive proper dental care and control their insulin stand a better change of avoiding gum disease. In addition, they should maintain proper dental health care in order to prevent mouth and gum infections including periodontal disease, which require immediate attention. To keep your teeth and gums strong, diabetic patients should be aware of their blood sugar levels and have their triglyceride and cholesterol levels checked regularly. These may be a direct correlation in the development of periodontal disease.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a significant relationship between gum disease and health complications such as diabetes. Since most people have regular oral examinations, their dentist may be the first to diagnose a health problem in its early stages. Visiting your dentist in Bolingbrook regularly helps in maintaining the health of your mouth and allows your dentist to watch for unusual developments that may point to other health issues.
