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Did you know that optimal general health begins with ideal oral health? Failure to adequately and properly care for your teeth, gums and your bite can result in the development of medical conditions far more serious than gum disease or tooth loss. Today the medical and dental communities are taking steps towards accurately documenting the connection between oral health and general health. It is important to understand the oral-systemic connection because it has been overlooked for so long. Uphold Proper Dentition and Diet Maintaining an appropriate dentition allows you to establish and keep a healthy diet. People, who have no teeth or missing teeth, have to change their diet to accommodate for what they are missing. Since your teeth are vital in eating fruits and raw vegetables, those who do not have teeth will often opt out for softer foods that are high in saturated fats. Your teeth are the building blocks of your oral health. Without healthy teeth and gums, other aspects of your life become altered. It is important to maintain proper dental care throughout your life in order to protect your general health as well as your oral health. Brush and floss your teeth properly to help establish appropriate dental measures. The Oral-Systemic Connection Certain medical conditions of the body have early oral manifestations. Regular visits to your Clintondale dentist are vital to maintaining a healthy oral environment and to controlling oral infections from the body that can cause periodontal disease. The following are medical conditions, viruses and diseases in which there is an oral-systemic connection:
• AIDS - White patches on tongue and inner cheeks
• Autoimmune Conditions - Pemphigus and lichen planus have oral manifestations
• Diabetes - People with diabetes who happen to have periodontal disease may suffer excessive bones loss of the jaw or surrounding bone structure and have difficulties in healing.
• Fanconi Anemia - This is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by short stature, diminished bone marrow activity and the development of oral cancer in young adults. The genetic disorder has been linked with an increased tendency towards periodontal disease and other dental abnormalities.
• Heart Disease - Evidence is mounting as to the role that oral microbes and host response might play in the causation of heart disease and stroke. Researchers have concluded that poor oral health caused by chronic dental infections may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Human Papilloma Virus - Has been linked to oropharyngeal cancer.
• Pancreatic Cancer - Evidence was found linking periodontal disease to a person's increased risk for pancreatic cancer. What Can You Do? The importance of taking care of your teeth, gums and oral health cannot be emphasized enough. As you age, you might be asked by your dentist to schedule more than the ADA-recommended two appointments a year, in order to properly maintain your oral health and the connection to your general health. This can be a great benefit for people who are at risk for developing oral health issues. At home, brush twice a day and floss regularly. Make sure you consult your Clintondale dentist with any oral health problems you may encounter between visits and maintain proper appointments with your dentist as well. It is imperative that your oral health is monitored because the connection with your general health is stronger than ever before.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Marlin Schwartz, a dentist in Highland, New Paltz, Rosendale and Clintondale. Providing comprehensive dental care including dental implants, Invisalign and veneers, Dr. Schwartz is a highly-regarded family dentist in Highland, Clintondale, New Paltz and Highland in New York.
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