Kingston TN
Your mouth and your body have direct links to your overall health. Oral diseases can make certain medical conditions worse, and likewise, certain medical conditions can show up in the mouth first, signaling early warning signs of trouble. While dentists can only diagnose oral diseases and conditions, not anything related to your heart or the rest of your body, he or she may be able to identify warning signs that could warrant a trip to your primary care doctor for further testing. Find out more about how your dentist may detect these four alarming health issues before anyone else and what you should do about it.
Cardiac disease – Nearly half of adults in the U.S. has cardiac disease. According to research conducted by Harvard, patients that have gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. The connection between the two is caused by dental plaque that adheres to the teeth and when not removed, can cause a gum infection known as gum disease. As the oral bacteria erode the gum tissue, bacteria can enter the blood stream and form blockages in the heart. Additionally, gum disease is inflammatory, as is cardiovascular disease, which can strain the heart and make managing your condition worse.
Fertility issues – Gum disease could impact a woman’s ability to conceive, according to some research. Pregnant women that already have gum disease may also carry additional risks like a higher risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth. Dentists and obstetricians strongly encourage pregnant women to maintain good oral health and make seeing the dentist twice a year part of their prenatal care. Men aren’t off the hook though. Some research points to gum disease being the culprit of erectile dysfunction and male infertility. Therefore, if you’re a male with either of these conditions, you may want to talk to the dentist about your gum health.
Pulmonary disease – Like COPD and pneumonia, patients with gum disease may see these conditions worsen because harmful oral bacteria can enter the lungs from the bloodstream, worsening pulmonary diseases. Additionally, since pulmonary diseases are linked to systemic inflammation, gum disease may exacerbate these conditions.
Diabetes: For years, researchers have connected a strong link between stabilizing blood glucose levels and gum disease. If you have gum disease, it can make stabilizing your blood glucose levels more challenging. Additionally, diabetics may have a difficult time maintaining their gum health because diabetes increases the sugar levels in mouth fluids. If you have diabetes, we recommend that you take exceptional care of your teeth and gums, as well as see the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
How to maintain your oral health in Kingston, Tennessee
Regardless of your health status, everyone should strive to maintain good oral health by brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily. You should also see the dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned to remove tartar buildup that’s responsible for gum disease. During this visit, the dentist will also perform a checkup to look for any signs of oral disease or dental issues that may require treatment. To learn more about protecting your oral health or schedule an appointment, contact LakeView Dental Arts by calling (865) 248-2199.
