Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Are Your Teeth and Gums Putting you at Risk?

Your mouth truly is the gateway to the rest of your body, and if you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay, it is not just your teeth and gums that you have to worry about.

The Mayo Clinic explains that there truly is a connection when it comes to oral health and a healthy body and if you want to avoid systemic disease or even congestive heart failure, it is imperative that you brush twice and floss once each day. Good oral health habits also include following a good diet that is full of fruits and veggies. You also want to make sure that you schedule regular dental appointments to avoid any problems that may occur.

Your mouth, just like the rest of your body is loaded with bacteria. That bacterium is usually healthy unless you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease causes swelling and bleeding opening up your body to dangerous levels of bacteria.

Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease is linked to several other diseases. Most scientists have known that bacteria was the main factor when it came to linking disease and periodontal disease, but what it all comes down to is inflammation. If you want to manage the inflammation caused by gum disease, it is imperative that you see your dentist who can treat your gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Several studies show that heart disease and periodontal disease are linked and although the relationship between cause and effect hasn’t entirely been proven, that research indicates that periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Scientists believe inflammation is the cause and could be the reason for the periodontal and heart disease relationship. If you have periodontitis, you may also exacerbate any existing heart conditions that you may have.


If you would like more information regarding the link between oral and overall health, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today.