Your mouth plays a starring role in your overall health. If you have dental problems, like decay, plaque, abscesses, missing teeth, or insufficient saliva, you could be sending harmful bacteria to other areas of your body. Here we share more about the healthy-mouth-and-body connection and why preventive dental care is a must for maintaining a problem-free smile.
The Issues That Can Unfold without Regular Dental Care
It may surprise you to learn that your dental problems can cause medical problems. Here’s a partial list of health issues related to your mouth:
Heart disease
Gum disease introduces bacteria into the bloodstream, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Less flexible blood vessels with plaques inside them can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, especially if it’s not well-controlled, you may have a higher risk for gum disease, because the condition reduces the blood supply to your gums and even your jawbone. High blood sugar may also contribute to the problem by causing a dry mouth, which leads to more bacteria and plaque.
Cancer
Liver cancer has been linked with gum disease, but researchers aren’t sure of the mechanism by which poor oral health affects the liver. Since a healthy liver is key to overall wellness, protecting your liver is one more reason to practice regular preventive dental care.
Alzheimer’s disease
Some research suggests there may be a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. A study showed that one of the species of bacteria involved in gingivitis can travel from your mouth to your brain, where it releases an enzyme known to kill nerve cells. This can result in memory loss and eventually Alzheimer’s.
Sexual health
Harmful bacteria in your mouth also lead to problems in your reproductive system. Men may suffer from erectile dysfunction, and women may have trouble conceiving and carrying a baby to term. Those with healthy gums are far less likely to suffer from these reproductive challenges.
Immune function
Your immune system is at its best when it can focus on protecting you from viruses and pathogens trying to attack you from the outside. But a weakened immune system and harmful oral bacteria are a bad combination that may lead to an infection elsewhere in your body.
Why Routine, Timely Preventive Care Is a Must
In addition to boosting your immune system and helping you avoid serious infections and illnesses, preventive dentistry can potentially save you significant costs of future dental procedures. When a minor problem like the early stages of gum disease is left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease. This is the stage that leads to deep decay and infection, and eventually may require root canals, extractions, and dental implants.
These procedures can be costly and are typically 100% preventable. So if you have a small cavity now, it pays to get it filled rather than putting it off and paying more for it later in both time and money. Delayed treatment is expensive. Taking a little time to maintain your oral health is an investment in your immune function and overall well-being.
About Our Practice
Our team proudly serves the dental needs of patients in Campbell and the surrounding area under the leadership of Dr. Tricia Mockler. We’re excited to offer a wide variety of preventive treatments, including routine checkups and cleanings, to keep your smile in tiptop shape. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, you can reach out online or call today for additional information. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.