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Good oral health can give you a beautiful smile and an improved self-esteem. The majority of patients understand the importance of regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups. But recent studies within the past decade have suggested a link between periodontal disease (gum disease) and the likelihood of delivering low-birth weight infants, developing heart disease, and having difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Heart Disease can be Linked to Gum Disease According to the American Heart Association, poor dental care could increase an individual's chances of developing heart disease. Diseased gums release higher levels of toxic bacterial components into the bloodstream, and as a result, the harmful bacteria in the blood have the ability to travel to other organs in the body, including the heart. Prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating on your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene. Your Ft. Myers dentist can work with you to develop a dental plan that will reduce your risk of stroke and heart complications. Diabetes Associated with Oral Infections Because diabetics are much more susceptible to contracting infections, these individuals are also more likely to suffer from periodontal disease. And severe cases of periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, putting diabetics at an increased risk for other serious health complications. Without treatment, harmful gum disease and infection can result in the destruction of oral tissues and bone surrounding the tooth, and eventually tooth loss. With that being said, diabetics should pay close attention to the health of their teeth and gums and visit their dentist regularly. If you suffer from one or more of the following complications, you may have tooth and gum damage caused by diabetes: * Red, tender, swollen gums
* Sensitive or loose teeth
* Change in bite
* Bleeding gums
* Bad breath
* Receding gums Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Complications While studies are still underway, expectant mothers with periodontal disease have been found to be at a much higher risk for pre-term delivery and low birth-weight infants than pregnant women without gum disease. And since pre-term, low birth-weight babies have a higher risk of developing lasting complications, like asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, behavioral difficulties, and even infant death, pregnant women should take gum disease very seriously. Although this study is still in progress, women thinking about getting pregnant or who are pregnant should include a thorough periodontal exam as a part of their prenatal plan. If the importance of good oral hygiene wasn't clear before, it should be now. Brush and floss regularly and keep up with routine checkups with your regular Ft. Myers and Cape Coral dentist. Heart disease, diabetic complications and pre-term pregnancies can be prevented with basic oral hygiene, and as your oral health improves, so will your total body health.
Dr. Martinez, Cape Coral and Ft. Myers, FL dentist, earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree from the University of Florida in 2003. He is a progressive dentist who is constantly striving to improve his dental education and skills so he can deliver the best and latest that modern dentistry has to offer. Dr. Martinez specializes in Ft. Myers and Cape Coral neuromuscular, and teeth whitening.
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