More and more research studies are confirming what many physicians and dentists have long suspected. Poor oral health can lead to systemic health problems and diseases. The list of conditions linked to periodontitis (gum disease) reads like a who’s-who of disease, including:
- Systemic inflammation
- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis
- Snoring
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Ulcers
- Pregnancy complications
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Arthritis
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Sleep apnea
DNA testing proves that a person has over 800 species of bacteria in the human mouth, and many of them can wreak havoc on a person’s health. Oral health is critical to your good health and long life.
Good Dental care starts early:
Good dental care as a child can save you a lot of time in the dental chair as an adult. Dr. Kelly recommends that you bring your child for their first visit by their 1st birthday.
Good Oral Health: What is Normal?
There is nothing normal about blood in your mouth. Blood is the result of inflammation and disease, caused by bacteria in the mouth. As these bacteria continue to build and secrete toxins, the toxins accumulate and because they aren’t getting cleaned out, begin to irritate the neighboring gum tissue. Sensing the irritation, the body responds with an automatic system that’s a defense mechanism against inflammation. This is referred to as the body’s inflammatory response.
The problem with the kind of inflammation that is triggered by gum disease is that it does not stay in the mouth. A number of them are bad actors, pathogens that can cause infection, inflammation and disease. Some of them can get into your bloodstream and spread far and wide throughout your body. The result is something called chronic systemic inflammation.
Can Gum disease harden your arteries? Unfortunately, Yes.
Medical experts agree that hardening of the arteries is due to the build-up of fatty plaque. Now recent research indicates the inflammation effect is the primary cause.
Gum disease and stroke another deadly duo
Gum disease has emerged in recent research as an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, the kind that involves a blockage that stops blood flow to the brain.
Gum disease, diabetes and systemic inflammation: a Triangle of Trouble
We know that people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing gum disease. But when gum disease occurs in people who have diabetes, it can have a direct effect on their diabetes control.
Oral Health & Pregnancy: Healthy Gums for A Healthy Baby
The primary risk posed by gum disease during pregnancy is preterm delivery and low birth weight, but researchers have also linked gum disease to gestational diabetes.
Taking Control!
When you take control of your physical health and your dental health, you are on your way to making sure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy. Dr. Kelly will pay special attention to your dental and health needs. Our team will adapt a diagnostic process when giving you your regular checkups to include baseline data about your health including any chronic problems like heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, ulcers and arthritis and evaluate how it is affecting your oral health. We will consider all factors affecting your general health in your dental care. That is critical.
What you should do:
- Regular 3- 6 months visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and exam.
- Following through with recommended dental treatment.
- Have regular physical examinations
- Take control of your health and do not forget the importance of diet and exercise.
