Your Mouth, the Gateway to Your Body
Viewing the mouth separately from the rest of the body must cease because oral health affects general health by causing considerable pain and suffering and by changing what people eat, their speech and their quality of life and well-being.
Your oral health might affect, be affected by, or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Cardiovascular disease
Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium). Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.
Pregnancy and birth
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the woman’s risk for gum disease. For the best chance of a healthy pregnancy, At iSmile dental clinic we recommend a comprehensive periodontal exam “if you’re pregnant or before you become pregnant to identify whether or not you’re at risk.”
Advanced gum disease(periodontitis) has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.Babies born too early or at a low birth weight often have significant health problems, including lung conditions, heart conditions, and learning disorders. While many factors can contribute to premature or low birth weight deliveries, researchers are looking at the possible role of gum disease. Infection and inflammation in general seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.
Diabetes
Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection – putting the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, which causes bones to become weak and brittle might be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
The impact of oral health on the body is a relatively new area of study. Some other mouth-body connections under current investigation include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Lung Conditions
Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the amount of bacteria in the lungs.
Obesity
Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat.
Other conditions
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include Sjogren’s syndrome – an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth – and eating disorders.
At iSmile you believe that prevention is better than treatment and we highly recommend to arrange for regular thorough oral and dental examination.
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