Dental Health, Overall Health - Making the Connection

The importance of dental and oral health cannot be overemphasized. Not only does the mouth act as the gateway for food and drink to enter the body, but it may also provide an entrance for harmful microorganisms and infections if not properly cared for. In fact, studies have shown that proper oral hygiene is instrumental in promoting good overall health. On the other hand, it has also been demonstrated that many health issues can have negative effects on dental and oral health.

Because dental health is associated by many people with trips to the dentist's office, special toothpastes, mouthwash, and other products, it is all too easy to see oral health as something separate and removed from the well-being of the rest of the body. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a very strong link between the condition of mouth and the rest of the body, so much so that the mouth can often act as an early warning system for problems elsewhere in the body.

Cardiovascular Disease

Gum disease vs. cardiovascular disease - which one sounds more serious? Although many people would say the latter without hesitation, studies show that having gum disease can actually increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. This connection, while not completely understood even by scientists, may be attributed to the fact that damaged gums allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where they can cause damage to the cardiovascular system.

Osteoporosis

A common ailment for older women, osteoporosis refers to a weakening of the skeletal system, resulting in fragile, easily broken or damaged bones. If osteoporosis can be detected early, treatment of the condition can also begin earlier. Fortunately, dentists are in a particularly good position to catch osteoporosis. This is because the symptoms and warning signs of osteoporosis frequently occur in the mouth. Dental x-rays can reveal patterns of bone loss indicative of osteoporosis very early on.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a very fast-growing health issue; more and more people are diagnosed with it every year. Although people think only of blood sugar when the word diabetes is mentioned, it is also worth noting that diabetes is a known risk factor for gum disease, tooth loss, and dry mouth. The relationship goes both ways - poor oral health has been shown to complicate or hinder the control of a patient's blood sugar and force the patient to use more insulin just to keep their blood sugar at a safe level.