Maintain Proper Oral Health Care- Your Body Will Thank You
Researchers suggest that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body, giving us another reason to brush and floss regularly. There is a direct link between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. General health starts with optimal oral health. Failure to care for your teeth, gums and bite can result in the development of medical conditions that are far more serious than gum disease or tooth loss. By understanding the importance of your oral health, you can recognize its connection to your total body health.
Cardiovascular Disease and Your Oral Health
One of the main connections between oral health and systemic health is the health of your heart. Chronic gum disease has been shown to lead to the development of heart disease because your mouth is the pathway for damaging organisms to the rest of your body. Studies show that oral health can provide warning signs for heart disease, and it can be identified through a visit to your dentist.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), since the mouth is a pathway to the body, if you have chronic gum disease you are at a higher risk for a heart attack. More than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral symptoms. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in patients with a history of heart disease have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health.
Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
Maintaining proper oral health goes beyond brushing your teeth twice a day, and daily flossing. Even with perfect home hygiene, over time plaque can adhere to teeth and harden. The plaque will form in hard to reach areas, creating pockets where bacteria can grow, and requiring professional cleanings from your dentist. The excess accumulation of bacteria causes periodontal tissue to become inflamed, resulting in gingivitis - the first step to periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to periodontal disease, a more chronic condition.
When inflammation is present, oral bacteria can enter the general blood circulation. The goal of periodontal treatment is to remove inflammation causing bacteria from the mouth, preserving the health of your teeth and decreasing overall systemic inflammation. Progression of periodontal disease can be caused by:
*Smoking or chewing tobacco
*Stress
*Family history of periodontal disease
*Ill-fitting fillings, crooked teeth, foot impaction areas
*Medications
*Other systemic diseases
Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, your treatment will vary. For mild cases, scaling and root planing is often recommended in addition to creating new oral hygiene habits to eliminate recurrence. It is also important to follow-up with your dentist for an evaluation to confirm the improvement of your oral health. Moderate cases will often require the addition of local and/or systemic antibiotics, as well as more frequently scheduled hygiene appointments with your dentist to help manage the disease.
Protect your mouth and you can help protect the development of other systemic health issues related to your oral health. Maintain regular dental visits with your Warrenton dentist and you can remain on the right track to a healthy smile and body.
Cardiovascular Disease and Your Oral Health
One of the main connections between oral health and systemic health is the health of your heart. Chronic gum disease has been shown to lead to the development of heart disease because your mouth is the pathway for damaging organisms to the rest of your body. Studies show that oral health can provide warning signs for heart disease, and it can be identified through a visit to your dentist.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), since the mouth is a pathway to the body, if you have chronic gum disease you are at a higher risk for a heart attack. More than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral symptoms. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in patients with a history of heart disease have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health.
Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
Maintaining proper oral health goes beyond brushing your teeth twice a day, and daily flossing. Even with perfect home hygiene, over time plaque can adhere to teeth and harden. The plaque will form in hard to reach areas, creating pockets where bacteria can grow, and requiring professional cleanings from your dentist. The excess accumulation of bacteria causes periodontal tissue to become inflamed, resulting in gingivitis - the first step to periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis will progress to periodontal disease, a more chronic condition.
When inflammation is present, oral bacteria can enter the general blood circulation. The goal of periodontal treatment is to remove inflammation causing bacteria from the mouth, preserving the health of your teeth and decreasing overall systemic inflammation. Progression of periodontal disease can be caused by:
*Smoking or chewing tobacco
*Stress
*Family history of periodontal disease
*Ill-fitting fillings, crooked teeth, foot impaction areas
*Medications
*Other systemic diseases
Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, your treatment will vary. For mild cases, scaling and root planing is often recommended in addition to creating new oral hygiene habits to eliminate recurrence. It is also important to follow-up with your dentist for an evaluation to confirm the improvement of your oral health. Moderate cases will often require the addition of local and/or systemic antibiotics, as well as more frequently scheduled hygiene appointments with your dentist to help manage the disease.
Protect your mouth and you can help protect the development of other systemic health issues related to your oral health. Maintain regular dental visits with your Warrenton dentist and you can remain on the right track to a healthy smile and body.
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