Your routine dental care is vital if you want a beautiful, healthy, and pain-free smile. But did you know that recent studies link your oral health to your overall wellbeing? The mouth has long been looked at as the gateway to the rest of your body, but now there is hard evidence pointing to higher risks of severe overall health issues without proper dental care. Read on to learn about the top 5 ways your dental hygiene can impact your body.
#1. Cardiovascular Disease
Gum disease is a common dental issue that affects about half of the current American population. It’s caused by bacteria buildup without regular brushing and flossing. The problem is that the same bacteria that infects your gums can get in your bloodstream, causing plaque to buildup in the arteries and harden. This is called atherosclerosis, which can lead to trouble with blood flow and higher risks of heart attack.
#2. Diabetes
Diabetics are not only more susceptible to gum infection, but this common oral disease can also make the overall health condition harder to control. Gum disease can cause blood sugar levels to become erratic, which is why poor dental health can increase your risk of developing diabetes.
#3. Dementia
Surprisingly, the condition of your smile can negatively impact the health of your brain. When the gums become infected and inflamed, they release substances that can kill brain cells and lead to memory loss. You are at a greater risk of Dementia and possibly Alzheimer’s disease when you have bacterial build up on your gums because these germs can spread through the blood stream and nerve channels.
#4. Pregnancy Complications
Are you an expecting mother? If so, it’s vital that you practice great regular dental health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause an increased risk of oral infections. Any infection during pregnancy can lead to higher chances of complications, which is why your regular brushing and flossing is so important. Additionally, gum disease has been known to contribute to premature birth and low birth weight.
#5. Certain Cancers
It may be obvious that poor oral health habits like the use of tobacco products will increase your chance of oral cancer, but other types of cancers have also been connected to gum disease. If you’re affected by periodontal disease, you may be at risk of kidney failure, blood cancers, pancreatic cancers, and more.
Oral health is about so much more than just your smile. Now that you know about these health risks, you can do all you can to keep your mouth and body in tip-top shape!
About the Practice
At Westgate Dental Care, we have a team of experts who combine their experience and training to offer a wide range of amazing dental services, including various options for gum disease therapy. To schedule an appointment, they can be reached through their website or by phone at (847) 577-7171.