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Taking good care of your teeth and gums presents a number of health benefits. It helps you maintain good oral health; it allows you to achieve a stunning smile; and it even plays an important role in your general health and well being. In fact, recent studies have shown that oral diseases are directly linked with our quality of life and total body health. After tooth decay, gum (periodontal) disease is the second most common oral disease, affecting people worldwide. But more than our teeth and gums, periodontal disease can lead to serious diseases and conditions throughout the entire body, including heart disease, diabetes and low birth weight infants. This harmful condition causes an infection of the oral tissues, and the chronic inflammation in our mouths can contribute to more serious, systemic diseases. This alone should be enough to make you think twice about skipping a routine appointment to your Pasadena dentist. Healthy Mouths for a Healthy Heart People with periodontal disease are more likely to suffer from heart disease then those with healthy gums, according to the American Academy of Periodontolgy. 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. Fortunately, simply improving your daily oral hygiene can help prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating on your teeth and gums. Patients with chronic gum disease are at a much higher risk of developing heart disease than those with healthy gums. Your Pasadena dentist can work with you to develop a dental health plan that will reduce your risk of stroke and heart complications. Reducing the Risk of Oral Diseases for Diabetics Because diabetes impairs white blood cells- the body's main defense against infections- diabetics are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. In some severe cases of periodontal disease, blood sugar levels can increase, which can lead to an increased risk for diabetic health complications. Left untreated, gum disease and infection can result in the destruction of oral issues and bone surrounding the tooth, and eventually tooth loss. If you have diabetes, you should pay extra attention to your oral health and visit your dentist in Pasadena regularly. In doing so, you can help prevent cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, or other serious infections. Avoiding Gum Disease for Expectant Mothers 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 lifelong complications, like asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities, behavioral difficulties, and even infant death, pregnant women should take gum disease very seriously. Because women are more susceptible to gum disease during pregnancy, it's extremely important to practice good oral hygiene and visit a dentist for regular exams and cleanings. And if you're planning to become pregnant, make sure to include a periodontal examination with your Pasadena dentist as an important part of your prenatal care. Your oral health is more than healthy teeth and a stunning smile-it's a critical part of your general well being. With a better understanding of how your oral health can affect your overall health, taking extra care of your teeth and gums should become a significant part of your every day health regime.
Since 1970 Dr. H. Robert Stender, a Pasadena cosmetic dentist, has been offering comprehensive family-oriented dentistry. Specializing in all phases of dental care and treatment, including Invisalign, CEREC and treatment for sleep apnea in Pasadena, Dr. Stender is dedicated to enhancing the smiles of every patient he serves.
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