subject: Diabetes And Heart Disease Can Be Linked To Your Oral Health [print this page] The connection between gum disease and other disease has become clearer as research develops. For many years it was believed that the worst consequence of gum disease was tooth loss. Now we know that is not always the case. It is not ok to let gingivitis or gums that bleed go untreated. Why? Because gum disease can be treated and more importantly, gum disease puts you at a higher risk for many chronic diseases. With this in mind, taking proper care of your teeth and gums should be a high priority in your day-to-day life. Brushing and flossing properly is vital in the maintenance of a healthy mouth. Ask your dentist or hygienist for additional tips and dental care product recommendations to ensure proper care of your oral health. You can't control everything that impacts your health, but everyone can improve the health of their gums with proper dental hygiene.
Caring Hygienists Explain Connection
At your dentist in Milpitas' office, your dental hygienist serves an important role in explaining the connection between your oral health and general health. A hygienist will explain the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene at home and with frequent visits to your dentist. It is important to visit your dentist every six months to ensure a healthy mouth. It can help your dentist diagnose early cavities, cancer, and any other overall health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and even osteoporosis. Don't be embarrassed to visit your dentist. Be sure to get the treatment you need so that your dentist and hygienist can diagnose, detect and treat any disease that you might have.
Diabetes and Oral Health
Diabetes affects millions of Americans each year and it can lower your resistance to infection, slowing the healing process. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:
*Tooth decay
*Periodontal (gum) disease
*Salivary gland dysfunction
*Fungal infections
*Infection and delayed healing
*Taste impairment
When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva may help bacteria thrive. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner helps remove decay-causing plaque. When plaque is not removed, it can eventually harden into calculus, or tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, it becomes more difficult to thoroughly brush and clean between teeth. This can create conditions that lead to chronic inflammation and infection in the mouth.
Heart Disease and Your Oral Health
A major disease with an oral health connection is heart disease - the number one killer of men and women. Heart disease claims more victims than all forms of cancer and AIDS combined. According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) in 2005, more than 80 million people had one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. Various research studies have shown a connection between heart disease and key bacteria in periodontal disease. While research continues to explore this link, dental hygienists are instrumental in identifying the presence and extent of the periodontal infection and work with patients, both to treat existing periodontal problems and to prevent future complications.
What is the bottom line? There is still so much to be learned about the connection between your oral health and general health, but one thing is for sure - inflammation is not good for our health and gum disease causes chronic inflammation. Talk to your Milpitas dentist and hygienist for more information on how you can properly care for your teeth and gums to further prevent the development of general and oral health complications.
