Does Oral Health Affect Overall Health? You Bet!

The human body is a complex system in which everything is interconnected. From head to toe, what affects one area of your body influences one or more other areas. The well-being of your whole mouth is just one example. It’s a component of your whole physical being, which is why taking excellent care of it is crucial. 

When receiving care from a dentist, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you feel at ease, listens to any of your concerns, offers excellent service and works with you throughout your treatment. Howard County Family Dentistry is proud to possess all of those qualities.

Here are examples of how gum disease, gum infections and untreated cavities can trigger health issues elsewhere. Some may surprise you! 

Cardiovascular disease is an overall term for heart and blood vessel disorders. Coronary artery disease can bring on heart failure and heart attacks. It’s the primary cause of death in the U.S. People with periodontitis are quite prone to atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels that run oxygen and blood out from the heart).

There’s a strong connection between periodontal disease and strokes (when part of your brain loses its blood supply), especially strokes linked to atherosclerosis.

Endocarditis is a bacterial infection in a heart’s valves—and sometimes its chambers. Unhealthy hearts can acquire endocarditis during a highly invasive procedure, such as a tooth extraction. 

Untreated cavities have been known to cause bacterial, viral and fungal types of pneumonia when oral bacteria travel into the lungs through the nose, pharynx or larynx.

Oral bacteria have also been associated with pregnancy and birth complications. The bacteria can make its way into the bloodstream and harm the woman and/or the fetus. Detriments include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, stunted growth, low birth weight, stillbirth and miscarriage. 

Now that you know of the significant connections between oral health and systemic health, it’s time to evaluate your dental routine. It should include brushing at least twice a day, flossing and using an oral irrigator once a day, and visiting a dentist every six months. 

We here at Howard County Family Dentistry are dental experts. Please call us today to learn how we can serve you.