If you could do one simple thing today to help protect your overall health and wellness now and in the future, would you do it? Of course you would — especially if it’s something as simple as improving your oral health.
Maintaining good oral health is important for your smile and confidence, but it affects your overall health, too. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can reduce your risks of serious diseases and conditions.
As a leading dentist in Glendora, California, Minal Patel, DDS, helps patients at Park Place Smiles optimize their oral health with regular dental checkups, professional cleanings, and treatments tailored to each patient’s unique health needs. Let’s look at the connection between your oral health and overall health, so you can reduce your risk of developing long-term health issues.
Studies show people with poor oral health — specifically gum disease — also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Although researchers are still exploring how the two are linked, they believe it’s likely because bacteria that cause gum disease enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and the deposition of cholesterol-based plaques.
These plaques stick to blood vessel walls, preventing normal blood flow to the brain and the heart. Data show that people with gum disease have a 2-3 times higher risk of having a cardiovascular event compared to people who don’t have gum disease.
Oral health problems like gum disease share a bidirectional relationship — each can increase the risk of the other. First, inflammation associated with oral health problems makes it harder to manage glucose (blood sugar) levels, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
At the same time, elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels increase the level of sugars in your saliva, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. In this way, diabetes also increases your risk of gum disease.
Millions of Americans are living with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, and data show about a third of older adults die with a diagnosis of dementia. While researchers are still learning about all the contributing factors for dementia, at least one large study has linked poor oral health with an increased risk of dementia.
Gum disease and cavities involve the growth of harmful bacteria that cause infections inside your gums or teeth. When you breathe in, these bacteria are transported to your airways and lungs, increasing your risk of pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses. They can also exacerbate respiratory conditions, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Poor oral health also increases your risk of certain types of cancer. Data show people with gum disease are significantly more likely to develop stomach cancer and esophageal cancer. Other studies have linked gum disease with colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Dental checkups are quick, typically taking less than an hour. Yet that single hour twice each year can go a long way toward providing you with a lifetime of better oral health and overall wellness.
If it’s been some time since your last checkup, now is a great time to make an appointment. To schedule your visit, book online or over the phone today.
