Periodontal Disease and Effects of Overall Health
Everything in the human body is connected in one way or another. The oral cavity is the intersection of medicine and dentistry and the window into a patient’s general health. Hundreds of diseases and medications impact the oral cavity, and pathologic conditions in the mouth have a more significant systemic impact than you might think. Periodontal disease is a prime example of systemic infection and is a topic not to take lightly since it can affect your overall health.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by inadequate brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build on the teeth and harden. Research has shown that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease, potential strokes, diabetes, respiratory diseases, etc.
Research struggles to determine precisely how issues with gum diseases cause heart disease, but the association is strong. Over time it has been suggested that periodontal disease can increase the risk for heart disease in an otherwise healthy individual. Further research by scientists in the field has found an association between periodontal disease and suffering a stroke. The relationship, similar to heart disease, is currently unclear; research has found that those who suffer a stroke were more likely to have an oral infection than those who are not victims of a stroke.
Research also suggests that those with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease than those without diabetes. Diabetes makes it easier for people to succumb to infection, and the more out of control their diabetes is, the more likely they are to contract gum disease. When you have gum disease, you have a dangerous bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria can be sucked down to the lungs and cause hazardous respiratory disorders, which is extremely dangerous, especially during this coronavirus pandemic.
Taking care of your mouth, teeth, and gums is crucial to having good health. Taking care of your oral health will decrease your risk of other health issues. You can easily prevent periodontal disease by brushing your teeth, flossing, using mouthwash, and getting a dentist’s routine dental cleaning. The team at Cakmes Dental Studio would love to help you keep your oral health in tip-top shape. Contact us today for a cleaning and check-in with our excellent dentists!
