Research has proved that a person’s oral health influences their overall body health. Dental issues like gum disease and cavities have been known to affect other body parts like the heart if left untreated. In some cases, these illnesses impair a person’s ability to speak or eat properly causing pain. What most people do not know is that oral problems do not only affect the mouth but also other areas situated outside the oral cavity.
Taking good care of your gums, mouth, and teeth aids in the prevention of tooth rot, gum infection, and bad breath thus lowering the risk of developing serious issues like diabetes and heart attack. Studies have shown that it is possible for the bacteria present in a gum disease patient to travel from the mouth to the heart and cause clogged arteries, stroke, or heart disease. Periodontitis, which refers to the infection of the gums, has also been associated with low-birth weight and premature births in expectant mothers.
If you practice poor oral care, it becomes easy for bacteria in the oral cavity to accumulate and thrive between your teeth and gums causing a type of gum infection called gingivitis which aggravates further into periodontitis. If by any chance the bacteria find its way into the bloodstream, infections can occur in other areas of the body. This won’t be a major problem for people who have a strong immune system because it will fight off the bacteria. As for those whose immune systems have been weakened due to other diseases, the results can be devastating and in worst-case scenarios, death will occur.
Dr. James M. Fieldhouse, a dental practitioner who provides both general dentistry and preventive dentistry services in La Grange Park, IL, has warned against the ill-habit of waiting for symptoms to appear before one goes to the dentist. He encourages people to book appointments with qualified dentists for check-ups and teeth cleaning at least twice a year as this makes it possible to detect an issue before it worsens.
Below are warning signs that you should look out for and if you spot any mentioned, please visit a dental office as soon as you can:
To keep you in the loop about dental hygiene, here are some few facts you should know about.
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