There are ways that your dental health can affect your overall health because the body is interconnected.
Poor dental health won’t just lead to tooth loss. There are ways that your dental health can affect your overall health because the body is interconnected. It’s important to treat your whole body as each part of the body is significant. Typical patients schedule a dentist appointment if they notice that their teeth are discolored, their enamel is sensitive or if they are in pain. However, it’s best to regularly see a dentist, if you want to prevent or deter possible other health issues. Keep reading to learn about ways that your dental health affects you.
Dental Health and Your Heart
When your gums are inflamed, the extra strain can affect your cardiovascular system. Periodontal disease can be linked to increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Studies have proven that bacteria associated with gum disease can travel to our hearts. If periodontal disease is not treated, these patients are at risk for developing a heart condition called bacterial endocarditis. This life threatening condition can be deterred or caught early on if regular dental appointments are made.
Dental Health and Diabetes
Medical professionals link gum disease to diabetes. If you have diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing gum disease. This statistic may be common knowledge, but did you know that gum disease can control your glucose level? Due to periodontal disease being an infection, bacterial toxins have a way of affecting the carbohydrate metabolism in cells and may cause the body to resist insulin. Therefore, you want to make sure that you take care of your diabetes and your dental health. It’s a two-way street.
Diabetes also delays our bodies ability to heal. If left uncontrolled, your gum tissues and teeth can tend to bleed more regular and and tissue which may be injured will have delayed healing. This leads to an increased risk of infection.
Dental Health and Lung Infections
Because people with periodontal disease are breathing in more bacteria, it can cause respiratory infections, which can also lead to pneumonia. For those who already have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is best to make sure you have a healthy dental care routine so that you won’t be susceptible to gum disease.
Dental Health and Pregnancy
Pregnant women with gum disease may develop gestational diabetes, their child may be premature, or their baby may have a low birth weight. During pregnancy, regular checkups with a dentist or hygienist are vital to your health and the health of your baby. Therefore, you want to make sure that your dental health is in good standing.
Come to Smile Designs of Olney for All of Your Cosmetic Procedures
For your smile makeover or any other dental needs, come to Smile Designs of Olney! Book an appointment with us. Whether you want your teeth whitened, straightened, or restored altogether, we pride ourselves in quality patient care and giving you the smile makeover that you deserve. Our small, professional staff will make you feel right at home. We service the Montgomery County regions including Olney, Laytonsville, Brookville, Silver Spring, Rockville, Columbia, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Germantown, MD. Contact us at (301) 260-0700, visit us online, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.