Over the past several years medical studies have shown a correlation between the health of your mouth and the health of your overall body. If you are not practicing good oral hygiene other parts of your body can be affected and vice versa.
Without proper dental care, such as brushing and flossing, your gums can become infected with bacteria. Your body’s response to the bacteria causes swelling in the gums and bleeding along with progressively worse symptoms of periodontal disease.
Taking care of your mouth not only helps peoples first impressions with your smile, keeping bad breath under control, as well as keeping away infections, it has also been related to the following health issues:
- Respiratory Disease – Doctors have discovered that some of the bad bacteria from gum infections can get into your lungs in which can cause any current lung issues to get worse. Also the bacteria has the possibility to cause Pneumonia or several other sever lung diseases.
- Birth Defects – The inflammation and infections associated with sever gum diseases have been linked with the babies development, body weight, as well as premature deliveries.
- Cardiovascular Disease/Stroke – The bad bacteria and infections from your mouth can get into your bloodstream. The inflammation in your blood vessels leads to higher blood pressure causing a strain on your heart, or the bacteria in your blood stream can directly impact your heart. It is also believed that the plaque in your blood vessels can break off and head to your brain or heart.
- Diabetes – A person with diabetes has a higher chance of getting gum infections and diseases. Another issue with diabetics that have periodontal disease is the ability to control your blood sugar.
Good oral hygiene not only helps the health of your mouth but the health of your whole body. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings from your dentist will keep that beautiful smile shinning as well as help your whole body stay healthier!
McKinney Ranch Family Dental 