How Dental Care Affects Non-Dental Health

Taking good care of teeth isn’t just about keeping the mouth healthy. Poor oral health can affect the rest of the body and can contribute to or even cause diseases you wouldn’t associate with oral health.

This article will discuss the effects of dental care on overall health.

Diabetes

Loose teeth, a dry mouth, thinning, itchy, and bleeding gums are all indicators of diabetes. In diabetic individuals, ulcers and gum line problems are more difficult to heal because of a lack of immunity and the inability to fight off illness. Hence, gingivitis and other gum disorders can cause bleeding gums and complications for patients with diabetes.

Heart disease

Gum disease bacteria can enter a person’s circulatory system and migrate to the heart’s arteries, resulting in Atherosclerosis. Plaque buildup and thickening on the inside walls of the arteries increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It is possible for the heart’s inner lining (endocardium) to become infected and inflamed (endocarditis).

Infections

Dentists are trained to look for signs of illness in patients’ mouths, and they can tell if something is wrong. Then, they may prescribe antibiotics to treat the issue. Severe pain, swelling, and redness in the vicinity of the infected region are all symptoms of infection. It is crucial to treat infections as soon as possible since they might spread to other areas of the body.

Stress

Teeth grinding may be quite damaging to your smile. If a dentist notices signs of teeth grinding, they frequently prescribe a custom-made night guard. However, the underlying issue is that the person is experiencing stress that’s manifesting in other ways like teeth grinding.

This stress is also detrimental to the rest of the body, contributing to various issues and diseases. If a dental professional prescribes a night guard, it is a good idea to seek professional help, alter your lifestyle, or look for alternative methods of stress reduction.

Pregnancy complications

Oral infections are more likely to develop during pregnancy due to hormone shifts, and an infection might increase pregnancy difficulties. In addition, gum disease in the mother may lead to preterm birth and low birth weights in infants.

Alzheimer’s

It is established that the chemicals released with gum infection and periodontitis are linked to Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. In other words, gum disease and gingivitis are both risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Cancer

Detrimental oral habits such as tobacco use, smoking or chewing, increase the risk of oral and throat cancer. In addition, other forms of cancer, including blood cancer, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancer, are also associated with gum disease.

Practicing proper oral hygiene habits is the most effective method for avoiding significant health issues caused by poor teeth hygiene. Also, regular checkups to the dentist twice a year are a part of a healthy oral routine.

If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!