By taking proper care of your mouth, you will find that it benefits the rest of your body. Proper oral hygiene really does impact more than the look of your smile and the freshness of your breath. The benefits of brushing and flossing extend across the entirety of the body. A healthy mouth can reduce the risk for serious health issues ranging from strokes to heart attacks, diabetes and beyond.
The mouth's health and activity is a window into what is happening with the rest of the body. Diabetes, AIDS and other systemic conditions are often noticeable in the form of oral problems. Your dentist and doctor can tell plenty about your health from a test of your saliva. If you have a steady string of oral health problems, it is a sign there might be an underlying health condition contributing to your tooth and gums issues.
Bad oral health heightens the chances of heart disease. The bad oral health will eventually inflame after exposure to bacteria. This bacteria gradually builds up to the point that it leads to periodontal disease. This bacteria also has the potential to enter the bloodstream, leading to an accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This plaque will harden and block the arteries. Such a hardening is known as atherosclerosis.
This health problem can lead to blood flow issues, complete blockages and a heart attack. The impact on the blood vessels and arteries can cause hypertension and increase the chance of a stroke. It is also possible for poor oral health to lead to endocarditis. This condition occurs when the heart's lining has an infection. In the worst case scenario, it can prove fatal.
Poor oral health can impact the respiratory system. Bacteria within the mouth stemming from infected teeth can be sucked right into the lungs. This bacteria can also move to the lungs by way of the bloodstream. The presence of this bacteria in the lungs can cause respiratory infections, COPD, acute bronchitis and pneumonia.
It is even possible for bad oral health to impact the brain. When gums are inflamed due to infection, substances are released that can destroy brain cells and cause memory loss. Gingivitis has the potential to lead to dementia as well as Alzheimer's disease. This occurs when mouth bacteria moves through the nerve channels or makes its way into the bloodstream.
Gum disease has been linked to cancer. As an example, those who have poor oral health face a heightened risk for pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer and blood cancer.
Those who have poor oral health will be that much more likely to develop diabetes as gum disease spurs egregiously high blood sugar levels. Periodontal disease will make diabetes that much more challenging. The symptoms only worsen as blood sugar levels are altered.
Request an appointment in our Palm Desert dental office here: https://totalcareimplantdentistry.com. Call us at (760) 394-3088 for more information from Total Care Implant Dentistry.
Good oral hygiene and regular visits to a dentist go a long way when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. That is not all it takes to keep your mouth healthy though. You also need to develop good habits that promote healthy teeth and gums while avoiding bad habits that can damage…
Maintaining the right oral hygiene does not have to be complicated. Having the right tools and knowing the proper way to brush the teeth can go a long way. The right diet can help prevent plaque from forming. Read on to discover how to keep your smile healthy.Most people know that a diet high in…
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease. If left untreated, it can lead to a more serious gum disease known as periodontitis and in some cases, tooth loss. The disease causes swelling, irritation and redness in the part of your gums that surround the base of your teeth, known as gingiva.The main cause of…
Eating the occasional piece of candy or downing a soda every now and then will not cause considerable tooth decay. However, the frequent consumption of such sugary foods and beverages will lead to tooth decay in due time. This decay occurs when acid generates in the mouth after bacteria break down sugar. Acid dissolves the…
Denture care is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but few people know the best way to care for their teeth. Denture hygiene is just as important as brushing and flossing your natural teeth! What are dentures? How do dentures work? What types of dentures are there? How do I clean them? Who can…
General dentistry commonly handles toothaches among other dental concerns. While this is a routine issue that is easily treatable, it is common for patients to have several questions about it and what they should do if they experience it. Here we will answer some commonly asked general dentistry questions and advice on the best ways…