If you have diabetes, you wouldn’t expect your physician to refer you to a dentist, right? After all, what does one have to do with the other?
As it turns out, there’s an indisputable connection between your mouth and your overall health. One study found that people with periodontitis are 40% more likely to develop a chronic condition, such as cardiovascular disease.
If there truly is a mouth-body connection, how can your oral health affect your overall health, and what can you do to improve it?
Let’s find out.
How Oral Health Can Affect Your Body
When it comes to dentistry, most people only care about the aesthetics of a beautiful smile and ignore the health benefits their pearly whites can bring.
Here’s the thing: The mouth hosts vast colonies of microorganisms – it’s estimated that close to 700 different species live inside the human mouth. Some are beneficial to our teeth’s health, some are harmless, and some aid with digestion. However, some bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
How much harm can an abscess cause?
- Cardiovascular Disease: The harmful bacteria that cause periodontitis can enter the bloodstream, travel to the arteries, and cause them to harden. As the inner walls of the arteries thicken, it can hinder blood circulation throughout the body and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
- Diabetes: Research suggests that gum inflammation makes it difficult for the body to control blood sugar levels. If that wasn’t enough, periodontitis and diabetes have a two-way relationship. In other words, gum disease exacerbates the symptoms of diabetes, while high blood sugar provides the proper conditions for gum inflammation.
- Respiratory Infections: When your mouth is overflowing with harmful bacteria, you might inhale them while breathing. Bacteria that get into your lungs can cause severe infections, such as pneumonia.
- Depression: A study by Deakin University found a connection between the number of oral health problems and depression. According to specialists, depression is an inflammatory disorder, meaning that certain medical conditions can cause or exacerbate mental disorders. Poor oral hygiene is a source of inflammation, which, as it turns out, can lead to depression.
Practicing proper dental hygiene can impact your health in ways you’ve never thought possible. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular appointments with your dentist.
If you’re looking for professional Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Dallas, don’t hesitate to visit us.
