The Oral Systemic Connection: Gum Disease
Poor oral health is closely linked to systemic illness. Caring for both you oral and overall health ensures optimal well being. For example, the bacteria responsible for periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and low birth weight babies.
At the office of Anthony Riforgiate, DDS, we focus on providing the most in preventive, conservative care to ensure our patients are as healthy as possible.
Oral Healthcare and The Total-Body Implication
Gum disease is caused by an infection of the soft tissues in the mouth. This type of soft tissue infection can damage essential support systems, such as bone and connective tissues if it spreads. Worse yet, these bacteria can access the blood stream through the oral cavity. If allowed to spread throughout the body, it can cause preexisting conditions to worsen or create further health issues.
Studies suggest that you may be at risk of heart problems if orally-sourced bacteria enter the blood stream. For those with preexisting heart disease, the development of bacterial endocarditis --- an infection of the heart’s inner lining and valves --- can further weaken tissues.
Diabetes also has a connection to oral health. Poor blood sugar control creates the prime environment for harmful oral bacteria to proliferate. Research has found that gum disease can be more severe and take longer to heal when combined with diabetes, as well as making it hard for you to control your blood glucose levels.
Expectant mothers are at an increased risk for oral health issues. Because of hormonal changes, specifically the increase of progesterone, they are at an increased risk for the development of gum disease causing bacteria. These bacteria may also be responsible for the correlation between low birth weight and periodontal disease.
Prioritize Your Oral Health
It’s important to let your dentist know of any preexisting conditions you may have. This will help your dentist better tailor their care to your needs.
Women who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant should take extra precaution with their oral health. It’s not recommended to receive invasive dental treatments in the later stages of pregnancy, thus it’s best that any underlying dental issues are taken care of promptly.
Patients who use tobacco products will notice that their teeth become stained over time, but tobacco users are at risk for more than aesthetic detriment. With regular tobacco use, the soft tissues in the mouth will be weakened and take longer to heal from infection. Further, the use of tobacco products promotes higher risk of gum disease, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Minimizing or quitting these habits can better ensure oral health and whole-body health.
Make your oral health a priority with personalized care from Dr. Anthony Riforgiate. For more information about our periodontal disease treatments, please feel free to browse our site and contact us today for a consultation.