Oral health is key to maintaining your overall body health. While you may brush and floss your teeth daily, is it really enough? You also need to incorporate regular visits with your dentist, for cleanings and exams. Without this additional level of care, not only will your teeth and gums suffer, but you may find that your overall health declines as well.
There are a variety of diseases and illnesses that can be prevented with good oral care from your dental clinic. By taking care of your oral health, you may be able to prevent the possibility of the following health risks. These diseases and illnesses are a danger to your body’s health and with a little care and prevention, they can be prevented.
Endocarditis
This infection within your heart starts at the inner lining of the organ. As bacteria develop in your mouth, it moves through the bloodstream, finding its way to the weak or damaged areas of the heart. This heart disease can be deadly if it is not treated and may even require surgery to repair the damage from the oral infection.
Kidney Disease
When you avoid seeing the dentist, you run the risk of developing an infection such as periodontal disease. This gum disease can easily lead to kidney problems as the immune system is weakened and spreads the infection throughout the body. This can lead to kidney failure or other cardiovascular disease issues.
Cancer
Cancer is another disease that can develop from poor oral health. By smoking or using tobacco products, it can lead to oral and throat cancers. In addition, other types of cancers can form from gum disease. The risk of cancer increases with poor oral care, leading to cancers such as kidney, pancreatic, and blood.
Cardiovascular Disease
There is research that shows that there is a link between heart disease and oral health. Infections from bacteria in the mouth can lead to clogged arteries or a stroke. The effects of this disease can be life-altering and in some instances deadly – just another reason to take care of your oral health.
Arthritis
If you develop gum disease as a result of poor oral health, you may be likely to develop arthritis over time. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that can be further inflammation gingivitis bacteria. This painful disease can be prevented or have reduced symptoms if you good oral care through regular visits to your dental clinic in.
Pregnancy Issues
Pregnant women need to take additional care when it comes to their oral health. As the body changes through pregnancy, oral infections can easily occur through hormonal changes. Any type of infection in the body is a risk to an unborn baby and can cause complications at birth. Both periodontal disease and gingivitis can lead to premature birth and cause the low birth weight of your expectant child.
Diabetes
While diabetes sufferers are more prone to oral health issues, gum disease can actually worsen the symptoms of the disease and make it more difficult to control. Gum disease wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels and can create complications with the disease. Keeping good oral health can keep your diabetes under control and prevent the disease from getting worse.
Making sure you have good oral care is imperative to your body’s overall health. By visiting your dentist on a regular basis, you can prevent periodontitis and gingivitis from developing as well as these other health conditions. Good oral care is the start of a healthy body and the finish of a beautiful smile.
