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How well you care for your teeth and gums has a powerful effect on your overall health. Neglecting your oral health can open the door to an array of health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Researchers continue to find possible connections between gum problems and heart disease, stroke, and even problems during pregnancy. Studies suggest that a variety of secondary health issues can be caused as a result of poor oral hygiene. If you can take care of your teeth and gums, then you can extend your life by years. The medical and dental communities continue to make strides towards accurately documenting the connection between medical conditions, diseases and oral health. Certain medical conditions of the body have early oral manifestations, making regular dental visits integral in maintaining a healthy oral environment and to control oral infections from the body that can cause tooth caries and periodontal disease. The following is a list of medical conditions and diseases that have an oral-systemic connection:
* AIDS
* Autoimmune conditions
* Diabetes
* Heart Disease
* Human Papilloma Virus
* Pancreatic Cancer
* Stroke Gum Disease Affects Your Cardiovascular Health Bacteria that are present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout your body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate your gums might travel to your arteries. Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it is suggested that the bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing. Your risk of developing cardiovascular disease varies according to the severity of your gum infection. The worse the infection is, the more likely it is that bacteria are to become blood-borne and move toward your heart. Infected gums can bleed, making it even easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If the bacteria do reach your arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they would irritate your gum tissue during gum disease. This could cause arterial plaque to accumulate, which can cause hardening of the arteries and decreased or blocked blood flow. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene It is vital to take care of your teeth, gums and oral health because as you age, you might be asked by your dentist to schedule more than the American Dental Association (ADA) recommended two appointments every year. While at home be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. When flossing, be sure to get down under the gum because this is where the bacteria live. Visiting your dentist in Chicago regularly helps to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. It also allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A regular dental exam can also help detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. While visiting your dentist, be sure to inform them of your complete medical history, as well as any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health. At home, be sure to practice proper oral hygiene:
* Brush at least twice a day
* Floss at least once a day
* Eat a healthy diet to provide necessary nutrients
* Avoid smoking cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
* Exercise preventive care and schedule routine dental checkups If you exhibit any of these symptoms, a consultation with your dentist is recommended. Maintaining proper dental hygiene is essential in preventing gum disease and any further complications with your dental health. By establishing proper oral health, you can further prevent any other diseases or problems with your overall health, especially your heart.
Dr. Carolyn Belke, Chicago, IL dentist, owns and operates Belke Dental. She keeps up-to-date on the latest technologies and practices to remain at the forefront of treatment. Additionally, Dr. Belke, dentist in Chicago, IL, encourages preventative solutions to minimize long-term risks and reduce the need for invasive care.
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