What Happens In Your Mouth Can Say A Lot About You
Good oral health and dental hygiene are not just about your mouth, they play a role in your overall health as well. Most of us know that not taking the time to brush or floss can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease, but did you know it can also lead to medical issues and disease? Your Kansas City orthodontist explains why it’s important to know how dental health affects your overall health – so you can remain healthy well into the future.
Beware the Consequences of an Unhealthy Mouth
Not flossing and brushing regularly can lead to plaque build-up in your gumline, which opens up the possibility of bacteria developing between your teeth and your gums, and to an infection called gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to an even more serious gum infection called periodontitis, and to the most severe infection of all: trench mouth.
Plaque Is Not Your Friend
If you have gum disease from plaque build-up and leave it untreated, you’re at a high risk of eventually losing your teeth. You’re also increasing your chance of developing some serious medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, hard-to-control diabetes, and preterm labor if you are pregnant.
Cardiovascular Disease – Inflammation in your gums from bacteria (gingivitis) can play a role in blood clots and clogged arteries. It can also lead to bacteria spreading to other parts of the body, including the development of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, which increases your chance of a heart attack or stroke. Naturally, the more severe the inflammation, the greater the risk.
Hard-to-Control Diabetes – Diabetics are already at high risk of getting gum disease. But did you know that chronic gum disease makes diabetes harder to control? The infection can make insulin resistant to the body, which upsets blood sugar control.
Preterm Labor – The chance of giving birth early and to a low-weight baby may increase if you have serious gum disease. The thinking behind this is that bacteria in the mouth release toxins, which then reaches the placenta through the mother’s bloodstream, impeding the fetus’ growth and development. The oral infection may also cause the mother to create labor-triggering substances too rapidly, leading to her child’s premature birth.
While it’s important to maintain good oral health and dental hygiene every day, in actuality, you’re physically investing in the future of your health.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Kansas City Orthodontist to Learn How Dental Health Affects Your Overall Health!
When you are ready to learn more about investing in your child’s or teen’s dental health, schedule their Burleson Orthodontics initial exam, complimentary consultation, digital x-rays, thorough smile analysis ($249 value), and more with your Kansas City orthodontist, by calling 816-384-0801 or click here for our convenient online form.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontic care feel free to contact Burleson Orthodontics at 816-384-0801 or by clicking here.