How Dental Health Impacts Overall Health

When was the last time you had a physical exam? How about your last preventive dental appointment?

Our Ellicott City dentists are here to help you protect your oral and dental health — and that matters more than you might expect. In this post, we're going to look at the way all of the systems in your body are linked and what you can do to keep them all healthy.

If you'd just like to get started, feel free to give us a call at 410-465-3021. We're currently accepting new individual patients and families.

What Affects Dental Health?

If you have problems with your mouth or teeth that never seem to go away, then it might help to take a step back and look at the big picture. Many other conditions and diseases have been linked to oral health issues:

●Osteoporosis (bone loss and tooth loss)

●Diabetes (gum disease)

●Rheumatoid arthritis

●Alzheimer's disease (general decline in oral health)

● Sjogren’s syndrome (dry mouth)

●Some eating disorders (tooth decay)

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with one of these, be sure to let your dentist know. Communication is especially important if you're feeling any discomfort or noticing any oral health symptoms.

What Does Dental Health Affect?

Many types of diseases and conditions can lead to dental and oral health problems, but what about the other way around? Well, as a reservoir of potentially harmful bacteria, the mouth has been linked to certain serious health issues.

The link between heart conditions and gum disease is currently under investigation. Researchers have found oral bacteria coinciding with heart valve infections, for example. The type of inflammation that may lead to strokes or heart attacks also correlates with gum disease.

At the moment, the exact mechanics of the relationship is unknown — we just know that people with gum disease are at a higher risk for certain cardiovascular problems. We do know that the bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream directly, where it goes to the heart and circulates throughout the body.

Pregnant women should also take care of their oral health, specifically watching out for periodontitis. This type of advanced gum disease has been linked to low birth weights and even premature birth.

How Can You Maintain Oral Health?

Luckily, preventing gum disease is relatively easy. Brush, floss, and come see your dentist regularly. If you can't make regular dentist appointments for some reason, please come in at the first sign of bleeding while flossing, gum recession, loose teeth, gum redness, or chronic bad breath. All of these are signs of advancing gum disease.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

The health of your mouth and teeth is part of your overall health. It's important to protect all of the parts of your body from disease. Please give Ellicott City Dentistry a call at 410-465-3021 today to schedule your appointment.