Taking care of your teeth and gums is important. It keeps your smile sparkling, improves your oral health and even plays a significant role in the overall health of your entire body. In fact, studies have shown that diseases and conditions of the mouth have a direct impact on our general health. After tooth decay, periodontal disease is the second most common oral disease worldwide, and is often a leading cause of serious diseases and conditions throughout the body, including heart disease, diabetes and premature births. This harmful disease causes inflammation and oral infections, and the chronic inflammation in our mouths can contribute to more serious, systemic diseases. This alone should be enough to make you think twice about skipping a routine trip to your Lone Tree dentist. Oral Health and Heart Disease According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice more likely to suffer from coronary artery disease than those with healthy gums. Additional research is needed in order to show the exact relationship between oral health and heart disease, but it's thought to be caused by one of two reasons. One theory is that bacteria from the mouth can enter into the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels, and eventually causing clot formation. A second theory is that gum inflammation can contribute to swelling in the arteries. Whatever the exact reason, patients with chronic periodontal disease are at a greater risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke, and people with good oral health typically have fewer instances of heart complications. Diabetes and Dental Health Diabetes can have a serious impact on infections in the bones and gums surrounding the teeth. And because diabetes lowers an individual's resistance to infection, diabetics are more prone to developing periodontal disease. Likewise, severe cases of periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, putting diabetics at an increased risk for serious diabetic health problems. 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. Pregnancy and Gum Disease Any type of infection, including periodontal disease, is cause for alarm during pregnancy. In fact, expectant mothers who have gum disease can be up to seven times more likely to have a pre-term, low birth-weight baby, which in turn increases the likelihood for the child to have 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. As if taking good care of your teeth and gums wasn't already evident, 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 check ups with your Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch family dentist can go a long way toward preventing serious health complications and keeping your immune system strong.
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