subject: Periodontal And Systemic Connection- What Is The Link Between Your Overall Health And Oral Health? [print this page] With the school year in motion, you may have heard of the mind-body connection, but what about the mouth-body connection? A trip to the dentist is often seen as just about teeth, having a tooth pulled, or getting a filling, but it is about more than just teeth. It is also about your overall health because what goes in our mouths can affect the rest of our body and what goes on in your body can also have an effect on your mouth. Many diseases and conditions can affect your oral health. The Surgeon General's Report on oral health states that good oral health is integral to general health. So be sure to brush and floss properly and visit your dentist in Santa Monica for regular checkups.
What is Periodontal Disease?
If you have been told that you have periodontal (gum) disease, you are not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of periodontal disease, which range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worse cases, teeth are lost. Gum disease is a threat to your oral health, and can also affect the health of your body.
Our mouths are full of bacteria, which, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless "plaque" on teeth. Brushing and flossing helps to get rid of plaque, but plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria-harboring tartar that brushing doesn't clean. Only a professional cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Heart Disease and Gum Disease
With recent advancements in research, it is indicated that chronic gum disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, which is the nation's leading cause of death in both men and women. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside your mouth. In heart disease, one theory is that gum disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may lead to heart attacks.
Chronic gum disease can lead to the development of heart disease because your mouth is the pathway to the rest of your body. Studies have shown that oral health can provide warning signs for other diseases or conditions, including heart disease, which can be identified through a visit to your dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 80 percent of Americans suffer from gum disease.
It is important to protect your mouth in order to prevent the development of other systemic health issues. Maintain regular dental visits with your Santa Monica dentist and you can remain on the right track to a healthy smile and body.
