Blog

How Your Oral Health Affects More Than Just Your Teeth

April 1, 2016

How Your Oral Health Affects More Than Just Your Teeth

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. In fact, problems in your mouth could very well reveal problems affecting your entire body.

Therefore, don’t fear the dentist. He or she does more than keep your smile looking great! Not only do dentists remove stains, plaque and tartar with their dual-ended picks, but they may also be able to tell if you’re at risk for a condition such as diabetes.

The Connection Between Gum Disease & Other Health Issues

There is some evidence that has suggested that there could be a link between gum (periodontal) disease and health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Other research has also shown that some systemic diseases (diseases that affect many tissues and organs in the body at once) have begun in the mouth. Swollen gums, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and excessive gums have sometimes been shown to be the underlying cause of:

  • Kidney Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Oral Cancer
  • Heart Disease
  • Leukemia
  • Pancreatic Cancer

Because many people visit the dentist twice a year, their dentist could be, and sometimes even are, the first healthcare provider to diagnose a health issue in its early stages.

Inevitably, if you neglect to take care of your gums and teeth correctly, you can also expect to experience:

Facial and Oral Pain.

There is no denying that some people experience facial and oral pain because their gums have become infected. Gingivitis, as well as advanced gum disease, affects many people within the United States.

Digestion Issues.

If you didn’t know, digestion begins in the mouth. So, if you have poor oral hygiene, there is the potential that you could experience irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal failure, or other digestive issues.

When it all comes down to it, keep in mind that neglecting to brush your teeth before bed, or because you are running late in the morning, can have consequences. And, we are not talking about the fact that you will have bad breath, we are referring to the well-known fact that not brushing can affect more than just your teeth!

<< Back

Ready to Get Started?

book online now

Are you having a dental emergency? Call our Emergency Line: (215) 789-4106