How does oral health affect heart health?
Did you know that there's a link between gum disease and heart health? Several studies have shown a direct link, so the mouth obviously is the gateway to the body, right? So everything is connected. These aren't separate entities. Yes, they're located in different parts, but it's all one person. Whatever enters the mouth can certainly travel elsewhere. The bacteria in the mouth can travel to the heart or anywhere else. If you aren't reducing the level of bad bacteria in the mouth, you can lead to heart complications if it travels to that point. Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, any other cardiovascular events you can think of. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Can oral health impact diabetes management?
Absolutely. And what's interesting is that it goes both ways, all right? They impact each other with better management of the diabetes, the better your oral condition and the better your oral condition, the easier to manage your diabetes. High blood sugar in the mouth can lead to increased bacterial growth, which leads to infections. With diabetes, dry mouth is more prevalent. The flow of saliva is actually very important to combat cavities and other oral conditions. With the dry mouth of diabetes, you're much more prone, much more susceptible to having tooth decay. They go hand in hand, so they play off of each other. With good management of your diabetes, you have better oral health and with better oral health, you're much, much more capable of handling your diabetes.
Why is dental care important during pregnancy?
Did you know 60% to 75% of pregnant women actually develop gingivitis? Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, which can then lead to periodontitis, which is a much more serious disease. That's where there's actual bone loss, right? So the supporting structure around the teeth can deteriorate. It's very important to come into the dentist and maintain your home oral hygiene to not develop these complications. There's also something called a pregnancy tumor. During pregnancy, there are hormonal changes that can lead to what's called a pregnancy tumor. It sounds bad, like cancerous. It is not. It looks almost like a strawberry on the gums. Literally just red, inflamed, and looks like a strawberry, the worst I've seen was literally about this big. Once you deliver the baby, it's self-resolved. But during pregnancy, it's quite common, something to keep an eye on. Oral hygiene is super important during this period. Also during pregnancy, women's dietary changes can lead to increased sugar consumption, which can lead to cavities. We do see some transmission of bacteria from mom to child, which can lead to early childhood cavities.
Is there a link between oral health and cancer risk?
Certainly. There are many studies linking gum disease to different kinds of cancers throughout the body, particularly stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, even lung cancer, and obviously oral cancer. Good oral care reduces your cancer risk quite significantly. Just something to keep in mind.
How can poor oral health affect your immune system?
With good oral care, you can actually boost your immune system. What happens with gum disease, it can influence chronic inflammation throughout the body. If your immune system is busy fighting a gum infection, it's unable to give its full response to other problems throughout the body. They go hand in hand, of course, the body's all connected. If there's a weakness in one point, then the immune system has to focus on that. It's taken away from other things it can actively fight. Oral health and your overall body health are inseparable. You can boost your overall immunity by simply having better oral care, right? Better oral hygiene, more trips to the dentist. Just buying the right toothbrush and doing all the things that we mentioned that you should do.
Oral health is a key part of overall well-being and physical health
We believe that excellent oral health has a significant impact on our patients’ lives and provide services to help our patients maintain or improve their oral health. Keeping the mouth free of harmful bacteria, infection and inflammation helps to prevent the entry and spread of germs or illness. Having strong, healthy teeth, gums and proper bite are also critical to a beautiful and healthy smile. For patients who have already experienced tooth loss, implants can help repair and maintain oral and overall health by replacing natural teeth and minimizing bone loss.
Great oral health helps you to:
- Eat and chew healthy, nourishing foods
- Defend your body against infection and illness
- Get a good night's sleep
- Enjoy a feeling of well-being
- Have the confidence to smile
Recognizing the important connection between the mouth and the body, we routinely watch for signs of problems that may affect your overall health such as:
- Signs of oral cancer
- Ability to chew and eat without unnecessary sensitivity
- Quality of sleep by checking for evidence of bruxism (or teeth grinding) and also watching for signs of snoring and sleep apnea
Although scientific research is just beginning to provide us with more conclusive information, it appears that gum disease may have links to some of the following health problems:
Diabetes
Research has indicated that people with diabetes are more at risk for developing gum disease and that diabetics who have advanced periodontal disease may experience some additional challenges in managing their blood sugar.
Systemic Diseases
Although the scientific research at this point remains inconclusive, these diseases appear to have a link to periodontal conditions:
Osteoporosis – Bone loss not only affects the bones that support healthy posture and movement, but can affect the jaw bone and lead to tooth loss due to the loss of a solid foundation to support the teeth.
Respiratory Disease – The aspiration of bacteria growing in the oral cavity can contribute to the development of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
Cancer – According to the American Academy of Periodontology, men with gum disease are more likely to develop specific types of cancer such as kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers.
Scientists are also currently researching to determine if there is a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, memory, and pre-term or low birth weight babies.
By visiting our office for regular cleanings and exams, you increase your ability to achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and prevent gum disease and associated health risks.