Most people imagine oral hygiene in Whitby is important for maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums. While this is true, there is another reason why we encourage people to take care of their oral health.
This is because good oral health plays a crucial role in protecting your overall health. Maintaining a proper oral care routine has a significant impact on the rest of your body.
The Connection between Dental and General Health
As dental professionals, we recognize that certain systemic conditions also impact oral health, making your regular dental checkups in Oshawa a valuable opportunity to monitor your overall health.
Gum disease is a particular issue, as bleeding gums allow harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Once in your blood, there is nothing to stop them from travelling anywhere in your body and creating new sites of infection and inflammation.
General Health Problems Linked with Poor Oral Health
Numerous serious health conditions have been linked to poor oral health, including the following.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It’s suspected that gum disease can worsen existing rheumatoid arthritis or increase the chances of developing this condition. Additionally, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have a weaker immune system, potentially increasing the risk of developing gum disease.
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes can increase glucose levels in saliva, allowing the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease to thrive. When someone with diabetes has gum disease, it can impact their ability to control blood sugar levels, worsening this condition.
Cardiovascular Disease
The link between cardiovascular disease and poor oral health isn’t yet fully understood, but it’s thought that the bacteria causing gum disease may affect blood vessels. This, in turn, could create blood clots, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Another theory suggests that gum disease may cause inflammation in the body, potentially damaging the vascular system.
Respiratory Illnesses
It is possible to inhale harmful bacteria into your lungs, thereby increasing the risk of developing respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia.
Poor Nutrition
If you have missing or failing teeth that make it difficult to eat comfortably without pain, it’s challenging to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, being unable to chew promptly makes it harder to digest food.
Digestion begins in the mouth, as saliva contains digestive enzymes. When you chew food, the saliva also moistens it, making it easier to swallow. Without the proper nutrients to fuel your body, overall health can be affected.
How Preventive Dentistry in Ajax Can Help
Maintaining good oral hygiene is straightforward, and we can help you.
Book a Dental Exam and Hygiene Appointment
If it’s been a while since you have seen a dentist, book an appointment to visit us. Don’t forget to book an appointment with our hygienist so we can professionally clean your teeth, a great preventive dental care treatment that leaves you with beautifully fresh breath and a sparkling smile.
Receive a Custom Preventive Dental Care Plan
When you visit us, we can carefully assess your dental health and review your medical history to determine if you are at a higher risk of developing certain conditions, and provide a suitable preventive dental care plan.
Your preventive dental care plan will outline the frequency of regular dental exams and hygiene appointments you should schedule. It will also show any other treatments we feel will help improve and protect your dental health.
Oral Care and Dietary Advice
Additionally, we can provide guidance on oral hygiene, ensuring you are aware of the best and latest techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth properly. We can also offer dietary advice to help protect your oral and general health.
Margolian Dentistry caters to patients of all ages, and our friendly dental team offers professional advice and treatment in a manner that is kind, respectful, and compassionate.