You know it’s important to take care of your oral health, but do you know how your oral health can impact the rest of your body? Dr. Caleb Robinson, a dentist in New Philadelphia, OH, explains the connection of your mouth to the health of your entire body.
What is Your Oral-Systemic Health?
Multiple studies have been done that connect the health of your mouth with the health of the rest of your body. Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body. While the bacteria in the mouth ordinarily shouldn’t spread throughout the body, it can in certain instances.
When you have even early-stage periodontal disease, one of the biggest side effects is bleeding gums. Bleeding comes from openings that are in the gums, allowing bacteria to get into them and into your bloodstream. With normal blood circulation, this means the bacteria can travel to the entirety of the rest of your body, causing inflammation and infection in other areas.
Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
One of the most prominent connections is that of gum disease and heart problems. The bacteria that are present with gum disease contribute to worsening the problems with cardiovascular disease.
When you have gum disease, you produce more of what’s called LDL cholesterol. This is the most dangerous kind, being small and dense and easy to pack into your arteries. These denser particles are also more likely to be able to penetrate the walls of your artery, whereas bigger, lighter particles could bounce right off.
Certain high-risk bacteria can also cause the walls of your arteries to be thinner. Because your arteries are already getting packed with small, dense LDL cholesterol, it makes it doubly likely that your arteries can get penetrated.
Lastly, these bacteria produce various substances that make the inner walls of the arteries sticky and more like Velcro. The inner arteries are where clogs form, and the oral bacteria make the walls even more attractive for cholesterol buildup. Plaque deposits are formed and cause even more problems with your arteries.
Oral Health and Other Issues
Cardiovascular disease isn’t the only thing that can be worsened by having gum disease. Periodontal disease causes inflammation throughout the entire body if it gets in the bloodstream. It can contribute to conditions like stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and problems during pregnancy and birth.
When you take risks with your oral health, your entire body can suffer. It’s crucial to keep up a routine that involves brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly. If Dr. Robinson pinpoints early warning size of gum disease, periodontal treatment can be performed to take care of symptoms as soon as possible.
Your Dentist in New Philadelphia, Ohio
Make sure you’re doing everything you can to help prevent gum disease. Call us or schedule an appointment online.