subject: Periodontal And Systemic Connection- Stress The Importance Of Lifestyle Habits And Total Wellness [print this page] One of the first things people notice is our smile. Going beyond your smile, aesthetics are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to the importance of good oral health. When you get to the root of the value of a healthy set of teeth, you will find that your oral health has more far-reaching effects than just an attractive smile. With recent research, it has been proven that poor oral health can devastate other vital systems in your body - increasing the likelihood of stroke, diabetes, low birth weight babies and cardiovascular disease. In other words, the same bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities can actually have a negative impact on your total wellness.
Prevent Gum Disease for a Healthy Heart
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, periodontal (gum) disease may put a person at high risk for heart disease. When your gums are infected, the bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream, infecting your heart and potentially causing narrowing of the arteries.
Just as bacteria irritate the gums, the effect of bacteria on the arteries can also cause serious complications including decreased blood flow and arterial plaque accumulation. Arterial buildup that reaches other parts of the body may cause blood clots and significantly increase the risk of stroke.
Protect Your Gums While Pregnant
You may not know it, but if you are pregnant, your pregnancy hormones may be impacting the health of your gums. Women expecting a baby often experience swollen, bleeding and red gums, placing them at higher risk for gum disease. In fact, studies have shown that women with gum disease are up to seven times as likely to have preterm babies as women with healthy gums are. As a result, babies born early are at a greater risk for acquiring lasting developmental problems.
Because women are more likely to experience gum disease during pregnancy, it's extremely important to practice good oral hygiene and visit a dentist for regular exams and cleanings. And if you're planning to become pregnant, make sure to include a periodontal examination as an important part of your prenatal care.
Diabetes Increases Gum Disease Risk
Just as pregnancy hormones increase the risk of gum disease, a person with insufficient blood sugar control is also placed at a higher risk of gum disease than those who have good management of their diabetes.
With all of that being said, if you are one of the millions of people living with diabetes, good dental health becomes extremely important in order to prevent gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and other serious infections.
Healthy Teeth: Start with the Basics
Maintaining a healthy smile isn't difficult. With simple improvements in your oral hygiene, you can help ensure your mouth is healthy for an improved total body health.
*Brush at least twice a day- morning and night- to remove plaque that cause decay and gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste to keep enamel strong and replace your toothbrush as it shows wear.
*Always floss each day to remove plaque buildup in between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach.
*Visit your Chandler, AZ dentist for routing cleanings, checkups and x- rays. Your dentist can remove tartar that leads to gum disease as well as detect any problem areas in your mouth that may require extra attention.
As if the importance of taking good care of your teeth and gums wasn't already obvious, understanding the serious implications that the health of your mouth can have on the rest of your body should make practicing exceptional dental care an even more important part of your daily routine.
Regular brushing, flossing and checkups with your Chandler dentist can go a long way toward preventing serious health complications and keeping your immune system strong. Start taking care of your mouth today. It's an investment well worth it.
by: Gen Wright
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