You may be going to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned regularly so that your oral health is in check but doing so can actually improve your overall health. Your dentist may actually be the first to notice certain issues your body may be facing before you know. This is because the state of your oral health or mouth can serve as an indicator of how your overall health, as dental issues will often lead to other health problems. Hence, it is important to schedule regular appointments with your local dentist to keep your oral and physical health in check. The mouth is where digestion and respiration occur, which can lead to bacteria building up without proper oral hygiene. There have been studies that show that inflammation in the gums and oral bacteria can be an indication of gum disease or periodontitis. Establishing proper oral hygiene like brushing and flossing your teeth daily will reduce dental issues. Here is how dental issues can tell you about your overall health!
Dirty Mouth Leads to Dirty Heart
If your dentist, while cleaning your teeth, notices any inflammation in the gums or loose teeth, they may check if your family has a history of heart conditions. Oftentimes, gum disease can increase the risk of heart disease that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Research suggests that infections caused by the buildup of oral bacteria can lead to clogged arteries and stroke. With gum disease, bacteria within the mouth can travel to the heart and attack the cardiovascular system, weakening the muscles. If you suspect that you may have gum disease due to the loosening of your tooth, it is important to take immediate steps to keep your gums as clean as possible. This can be done through mouthwash, brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing daily.
Blood Sugar and Gum Disease
During a dental check-up, if your dentist notices loose teeth, dry mouth, receding, and bleeding gums that take a long time to heal, they may suspect that their patient has diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend a blood test to check your sugar levels to confirm your condition. If the results reflect that you are diabetic, do work closely with your local physicians to help you manage your blood sugar level. Simultaneously, do approach your local dentist for treatment of gum disease. It is especially important for diabetic patients to treat gum disease as any infection in the mouth can increase their risk of heart disease. Additionally, diabetic patients should choose to visit their dentist more regularly, once every three months, to ensure their oral health is well maintained, lowering their risk of gum disease.
Bone Health Beyond the Mouth
Your mouth can actually reflect the low density of your bones due to osteoporosis, even though your teeth will not change due to the condition. Osteoporosis changes the bone that supports your teeth. As such, signs of loose teeth and receding gum lines can serve as indicators that you may be developing osteoporosis, recommending you look for a medical doctor for the right treatments.