Putting Your Health Where Your Mouth Is
Your oral health is more important than you realize — which is why our mission is to educate the public about the importance of maintaining proper oral health as a key contributor to good overall health.
Keep reading to learn the link between caring for your overall well being and your oral health:
The Link Between Overall Health and Oral Health
In some ways, your mouth is the window to your overall health. The condition of your mouth, teeth and gums can often indicate early signs of disease and can also affect your general health. Studies have shown that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with gum disease can lead to the development of conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
Medical Conditions Leading to Oral Health Concerns
Many people are unaware of the connection between poor oral health and chronic diseases. Certain medical conditions can lower your body's resistance to infection — making people more susceptible to severe oral health problems.
The following conditions have been known to cause more severe oral health issues:
- Diabetes: impaired blood flow can weaken your gums, and elevated blood sugar levels can increase the risk of bacteria growth and decay.
- HIV/AIDS: can cause painful mucosal lesions and other conditions.
- Alzheimer’s disease: patients typically experience worsening oral conditions as their Alzheimer’s progresses.
- Osteoporosis: can lead to periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
Certain medications responsible for treating these conditions can reduce saliva flow, reducing your ability to wash away bacteria and prevent disease.
Common Medical Conditions Linked to Your Mouth
Your oral health could also be responsible for increasing your risks of these diseases and conditions:
- Endocarditis: typically occurs when bacteria or other germs spread through your bloodstream and attach to certain areas in your heart.
- Cardiovascular disease: some studies suggest that heart disease, clogged arteries, and strokes might be linked to the inflammation and infections caused by oral bacteria.
- Pregnancy and birth complications: due to periodontitis, which has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Pneumonia: caused by bacteria in your mouth that can be pulled into your lungs.
Caring For Your Health at ProHEALTH Dental
In addition to taking special care of your body with these health issues, it's also important to stay on top of your oral health to prevent the risk of disease. Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist are great ways to protect your teeth and prevent other health issues from forming.
At ProHEALTH Dental, our goal is to promote this connection and provide proper oral health care as an integral step towards improved overall health, while helping people of all ages live healthier lives. To assist us in fulfilling this mission, we have developed Clinical Affiliations with key health care organizations that collectively serve over 3 million patients and academic institutions, all of which understand the importance of medicine and dentistry working together.
Learn more about how our affiliations help us treat your overall health and oral health online today.