Healthy Gums = Healthy Body

We are all aware that we need to exercise proper oral health in order to maintain healthy gums. However, recent studies indicate that proper oral care is also essential for a healthy brain, heart – basically, your entire body. An infection in your mouth can increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s and may also contribute to pregnancy complications. For several years healthcare professionals suspected a link between some medical conditions and poor oral care because they assumed that the bacteria from the mouth might have made it into the body.

Studies are now revealing that inflammation found in gums or periodontal disease, may have a more direct role in either causing, or increasing the risk for certain health conditions.

The following health conditions may occur as a result of poor oral care:

Heart Disease

Atherogenesis, also known as coronary heart disease can be caused by long-term periodontitis. Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque accumulates in your arteries. It is a scary fact that people with gum disease are nearly twice at risk for developing heart disease.

Stroke

If you have lost significant amount of tissue and bone around your teeth, or if you are missing all or some of your teeth, you risk having a stroke. Research has proved that missing all or some of you teeth can result in severe periodontitis, which can ultimately cause heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes

A recent research study has revealed that periodontal disease has an effect of the body’s metabolism and may contribute to a condition in which blood glucose levels are high than normal, called pre-diabetes. On the other hand, type two diabetics who have periodontitis may experience reduced levels of oxidative stress, which the substances that protect your body’s cells are lower than usual.

Pregnancy Complications

If you are pregnant and have a gum disease, it is essential to seek the care of a dental health care professional. Research done by the American Academy of Periodontology has indicated an increase in the risk of pre-term delivery or delivering a baby with low birth weight has been found in pregnant women who have gum disease. Pregnant diabetics are more prone to gum disease and inflammation.

Kidney Disease

There also seems to be link between poor oral health and chronic kidney diseases, which affects bone health and blood pressure. Dental professionals have found that adults who do not have any teeth are at higher risk for developing chronic kidney disease.

Mental Health Diseases

It is widely known that anxiety and stress is bad for your physical health. However, research has now indicated that there is a strong relationship between gum disease and mental health diseases such as depression, stress, loneliness, anxiety and distress. These mental health conditions can result in your body producing more than normal levels of the cortisol hormones that can aid the progression of gum disease.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects more that five million Americans. It is a debilitating disease that can causes dementia. Although scientists are still working to confirm the theory, researchers have found that chronic periodontal disease experienced early in life quadruples your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers continue to find links between poor gum health and several other diseases, such as obesity, steroid abuse, osteoporosis and menopause.

Prevention is better than cure. By keeping your mouth healthy, you also reduce the risk of many health conditions that may be fatal. Getting regular dental check ups can prevent and treat any dental health problems that may occur.

Dentists have helped many individuals maintain excellent dental health. As such, they have been essential in reducing the risk of life threatening diseases for many .Our dentists serve many Brooklyn residents, including those in Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and all surrounding communities for years.

Our offices are located in the heart of beautiful Brooklyn Heights at 100 Pineapple Walk, Brooklyn, NY 11201