The Mouth-Body Connection

Have you heard about the connection between your mouth and body and its affect on your overall health?.

In summary, it states that your oral health and your physical health are closely linked. So, if you’re prone to stress, for example, you can elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Scientists are connecting the dots and are finding that your oral health plays a role in your physical health, as well (Dr. Fat has known this for years).

Check out these articles:

Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke
Study Finds a Direct Association between Heart Disease and Periodontal Bacteria
Presence of Gum Disease May Help Dentists and Physicians Identify Those at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Taking your oral health seriously, and preventing gum disease may be the key to your overall health.

What is gum disease? Gum disease is a chronic infection that typically stems from poor oral hygiene (i.e. not brushing or flossing regularly, skipping dental visits, etc.). It’s hard to imagine that an infection in your gums can have such a dramatic impact on vital organs like your heart, the lungs, bones, and blood-sugar levels (diabetes II), but it does.

Bacteria from your gums can affect your body in four ways:

Your Circulatory System – bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to other parts of the body. As it travels, it can cause secondary infections or contribute to diseases already in progress.

Your Immune System – the body’s inflammatory response to gum disease can trigger other inflammatory diseases (heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure) and cause hardening of the arteries.

Your Respiratory System – the bacteria from gum disease adheres to saliva droplets that you inhale. You can actually breathe-in the bacteria every time you inhale. This can cause pulmonary infections and respiratory problems.

Your Blood Sugar – gum disease increases blood-sugar levels and makes diabetes harder to control. Really? Watch this video

You can eat right, work out every day, and visit your doctor regularly, but if you neglect your oral health, you’re essentially shooting yourself in the foot. Visit Diana Fat, DDS regularly and prevent gum disease from sabotaging your efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Together, you, your dentist, and your physician can help prevent systemic illnesses from spiraling out of control.

General Dentistry for the Entire Family

Diana Fat, DDS offers comprehensive dental care in Sacramento, CA. Contact Diana Fat, DDS at (916) 448-5333 to schedule an appointment. We will give you a reason to smile!