Your Oral Health is a Window to Your Overall Health

Did you know that your oral health can give insight into your overall health?
Your mouth is a living, breathing house for bacteria – most of which is good and necessary to protect your body from bad bacteria. Daily brushing and flossing not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it also helps keep this bacteria under control. When you don’t brush and floss daily, the bacteria in your mouth can sometimes grow out of control and cause infections. Disrupting the balance of bacteria in your mouth may make it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

According to the American Dental Hygienist’s Association, periodontal disease is a risk factor for heart and lung disease, diabetes, premature birth and low birth weight babies, and a number of other conditions, including:

Endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart, can be caused by gum disease that may allow bacteria into your bloodstream.

Cardiovascular disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, some research has linked heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke to oral bacteria that is caused by periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease.

Diabetes
People who suffer from diabetes put their gums at risk due to the body’s inability to fight off infection.

Alzheimer’s disease
Premature tooth loss before the age of 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Osteoporosis
Tooth loss and periodontal problems and bone loss may contribute to osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and brittle.

For more information about how your oral health impacts your overall health, please contact us!