Chronic Dental Infections Linked to General Health Problems
For years now, the evidence has been stacking up. Chronic dental disease
puts your general health at risk in more ways than one. Heart disease,
respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, and even pre-term, low-birth-weight
babies have all been related in one way or another to the presence of
un-treated gum disease.
Bad Bacteria, Coronary Constriction, and Clots.
As many as half a dozen studies link poor oral health to increased heart
disease. So, what's the connection? Scientists propose two possibilities.
First, when dental plaque bacteria escape into the blood stream, they
travel into and inflame coronary arteries. This inflammation narrows the
arteries, constricts blood flow, deprives the heart of adequate oxygen,
and thus leads to heart trouble. A second theory purports that those same
blood-borne bacteria stimulate clot formation, blocking arteries and reducing
vital oxygen supply to the heart. Yet further studies have linked a particular
gum disease bacteria to the existence of damaging atherosclerotic deposits
in coronary arteries. As with the above two scenarios, such deposits
narrow vessels, decrease heart muscle oxygen supply, and promote heart
disease. In fact, it has been conclusively demonstrated that the risk
of developing heart disease was increased by 168% in people who have periodontal
disease.
Vulnerable Lungs, Weak Bones, and Tiny Babies.
Still other scientists are concerned with links between gum disease and
respiratory disease. It's long been known that tobacco smoking increases
the risk of periodontal disease; but now studies are investigating an
independent link between lung trouble and poor oral health. The skeletal
system isn't immune to the adverse effects of gum disease either: one
extensive study demonstrated and documented for the first time, an association
between weakened bones, tooth loss, and gum disease in women. Further,
periodontal disease in pregnant women seems to be a potential independent
risk factor for pre-term, low-birth-weight babies.
Better Health, Consistent Care and a Happy Dental Home
Of course, even without considering these compelling secondary concerns,
it's common knowledge that gum disease is directly involved in causing
significant oral health problems as well. Like bleeding gums, bad breath,
and tooth loss. All told, it's not only smart, but critical to your overall
health to obtain and maintain good dental health! Yet, statistics show
that half of all Americans do not seek out or receive any form of dental
care; while even those who do obtain care do not often have consistent
care in a "happy dental home".
The moral of the story? Be proactive about your own dental health. Don't
wait to seek out professional care until you find drops of blood on your
toothbrush or floss. And definitely don't wait until you suddenly notice
that your teeth are loose for no reason. Instead, find a dental 'home'
where you're welcomed, treated as an individual with a genuine concern
for your overall health and wellness, and kept clear of dental disease
for the long run. Or, as the Journal of the American Dental Association
puts it, remember that "dental care is best managed when there is
an established relationship between the patient and the practitioner which
is based in compassion, mutual responsibility and trust. It presumes that
the doctor is well trained and capable."
A good place to start is right here at Advanced Dental Concepts. We are
increasingly vigilant in examinations, meticulously thorough in cleaning
your teeth, and aggressive in our elimination of even the tiniest suggestion
of dental disease or decay. We're trustworthy, trained, and prepared to
help you keep your teeth for life.
And remember, we're more than happy to welcome any of your friends or
family into our practice, provide sincere, compassionate, appropriate
care, and help them improve their overall health and wellness. Such referrals
are not only appreciated, but are the lifeblood of our practice and a
reflection of our excellent teamwork.
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