Healthy teeth and
gums begin with good oral hygiene, and if you are a bit lazy when it comes to
brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, you could be doing more harm than you
realize. According to Gentle Touch Family Dental, plaque can cause serious
problems for the rest of your body.
The American Dental
Association explains that there is a real connection when it comes to the
health of your mouth and the health of your body.
Gum disease is the
leading cause of tooth loss; however, periodontal disease can also cause heart
disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s
disease.
Gentle Touch Family Dental
explains that sticky film that accumulates on your teeth when you sleep, eat,
and drink can get into your bloodstream. That unhealthy bacterium will attach
itself to the arteries in your heart causing blockages. Your mouth is loaded
with healthy bacteria, but without good oral hygiene, it will become overrun
with the unhealthy stuff.
Diabetes
If your teeth and
gums are unhealthy and you suffer from periodontal disease, the inflammation
will weaken your ability to control your blood sugar. Gum disease complicates
diabetes as the inflammation impairs insulin utilization. The high blood sugar
in diabetics is ideal for gum and other infections. Thankfully, by scheduling regular dental appointments with Gentle Touch Family Dental and practicing good
oral hygiene, you can manage the problem.
Heart Disease
Although it is not
fully understood why, heart disease and gum disease seem to go hand in hand
with as many as 91 percent of patients with heart problems suffering from
periodontal disease. Scientists believe that the mouth inflammation causes
blood vessel inflammation increasing your risk of a heart attack in several
ways.
Blood vessels that
are inflamed allow less blood flow between the body and the heart Not only does
this raise your blood pressure, but it can also put you at risk for a stroke or
heart attack if that fatty plaque breaks off a blood vessel and travels to your
heart.
If you would like
more information regarding the mouth and body connection for healthy teeth and
gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dental
today.
