Keeping the teeth and gums in good shape can mean more than having a healthy smile; it can be a good indicator of overall health, as well. For years, researchers have studied the correlation between oral health and general health and the dentists promote this concept to their patients. What goes on in your mouth certainly can be indicative of what's going on throughout your body. The dentists' primary objective is dental health, but when dealing with periodontal disease, they tell patients how serious it is regarding not only their oral health, but also how it can play into general health issues. Everyone's mouth is filled with bacteria that have the potential to be harmful if it enters the bloodstream. There are many cases in which harmful bacteria grow in the mouth and lead to periodontal disease. Oral bacteria, bacterial toxins, and inflammatory factors are permitted to enter the bloodstream when the gums are unhealthy. This can lead to more serious illnesses. Research has shown that there may be a link between cardiovascular disease and oral health. However, more studies are needed to confirm the link with some degree of certainty. Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of cavities, tooth loss, gum disease and dry mouth. Dry mouth can be detrimental to dental health because it can cause the soft tissues in the mouth to become irritated and more prone to infection. On the other hand, poor oral health can cause diabetes to become more difficult to manage. Infections have been known to cause blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control. The levels of several inflammatory factors are higher in patients that have gum disease. One inflammatory factor in particular, C-reactive protein, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It may be a question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, but I would definitely recommend improving your oral health in attempt to lower these elevated levels. Davis said it is important to remember that gum disease is an infection below the gum line that can lead to open ulcers. The blood supply goes right to that and all the bacteria and bacterial products have access right to your blood stream. What's going on in your mouth directly relates to what's going in your body. |