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Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body: How Good Dental Care Promotes Wellness

In recent years it’s become increasingly evident that the benefits of practising good oral health care extend beyond just your teeth. Research indicates that the harmful bacteria living inside your mouth—the same kind that cause tooth decay and gum disease—can trigger an assortment of medical complications.  A teeth cleaning regime that includes daily brushing and flossing, in conjunction with biannual visits to your dentist in Edmonton, can stave off an assortment of health risks. What are some of those risks? Read on to learn more.

Heart Disease

Periodontitis, the most severe type of gum disease, might raise your risk for getting heart disease. It’s theorized that bacteria and plaque can enter the bloodstream by way of the gums and lead to an assortment of problems including blocked arteries. In addition, inflammation in the mouth might cause inflammation in the blood vessels, thereby further increasing the probability of getting a heart attack. Stroke is yet another possibility should the artery that delivers blood to the brain be the one that gets clogged. According to some sources, those with periodontitis are two times more likely to develop heart disease. However, more research needs to be done to definitively establish the correlation between gum disease and heart disease.

 

Diabetes

While poor dental hygiene won’t cause diabetes, those who have the disease are far more likely to contract periodontitis and should be especially mindful to care for their teeth. Once the two maladies inhabit the same body, they can interact with each other in a negative manner. The periodontitis makes it harder to control blood sugar levels as the inflammation it causes makes it even more difficult for the body to use insulin. In turn, high blood sugar increases the risks of getting infections, including gum infections. While it can become a vicious cycle, getting control over one often makes the other more manageable.

Other Health Issues

In addition to the complications that can occur in regards to heart disease and diabetes, periodontitis may well have a role to play in a number of other conditions. Keep in mind that some of the research involved is fairly recent and definitive conclusions have yet to be made.

  • Respiratory Illnesses. The bacteria connected with periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream and into the lungs where it can exacerbate existing problems like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis. Some studies indicate that treating periodontal disease in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis can help diminish the pain they experience as a result of the condition.
  • Evidence suggests that those with high body fat will see their periodontitis progress quicker.
  • Risk of Premature Birth. Research shows that infections—including gum infections—can result in pre-term births.

Your Partner in Preventive Oral Health Care

Need a dentist in Edmonton? Reliance Dental provides a great preventive care program as well as a vast range of other dental services. Whether you require a teeth whitening treatment or need a root canal, our team of compassionate professionals will see you get the quality care you deserve. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Edmonton dental clinic.

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