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Did you know that optimal general health begins with your best oral health? If you fail to adequately care for your teeth, gums and your bite, the end result can be the development of medical conditions that are far more serious than periodontal disease or tooth loss. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can have a significant impact on your quality of life. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, making your visits to the dentist more important than ever before. Your dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem. Gum Disease and Heart Disease According to the Academy of General Dentistry, research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, gender and age. Studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks. Bacteria that are present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the blood stream, eventually reaching your arteries. It is suggested that the bacteria can be dislodged and enter your bloodstream during simple tasks such as brushing, flossing or even chewing. Your risk of developing cardiovascular disease varies according to the severity of your gum disease. The worse the infection is, the more likely that bacteria will become blood-borne. Infected gums bleed, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If the bacteria do become dislodged, it can enter through cuts and sores that are present in your mouth, allowing them to travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Diabetes Proves Greater Risk An estimated 20 million people have diabetes, but only two-thirds are actually diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections appear to be more severe in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic. Diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels typically have more oral health problems, and these infections occur more often after puberty and in aging patients. Because diabetes reduces the body's ability to fight infection, the gums are at a high risk for gingivitis, an inflammation usually caused by the presence of bacteria in plaque, which is the sticky film that accumulates on teeth above and below the gum line. Without regular checkups, gum disease may result if gingivitis is left untreated and can also cause inflammation and destruction of tissues surrounding and supporting teeth, gums, bone and fibers that hold the gums to the teeth. If you are diabetic, it is important to take extra care of your mouth and have dental infections treated immediately. Diabetics who receive good dental care and have proper insulin control usually have a better chance of avoiding gum disease. In addition, diet and exercise may also be the most important changes that a diabetic can do to improve their quality of life and oral health. The medical and dental communities are taking active steps towards accurately documenting the connection between medical conditions, diseases and oral health. Schedule your regular checkup today with your Pembroke Pines dentist for treatment and for early recognition of potential harm to your oral health. It is not too soon to protect your mouth and your overall health with help from your dentist.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Osmani Diaz, leading dentist in Pembroke Pines, FL. Offering dental care and orthodontia for patients of every age, this cosmetic dentist in Pembroke Pines is qualified to handle any oral health need, including Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, laser dentistry and implants in Pembroke Pines.
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