Gum disease can be just as serious as a disease visible to everyone who comes in contact with it.
If one were to develop a serious infection on a limb outside the body, they would be hospitalized immediately. Mouth infections seem to be deemed as less-important, although that is not the truth.
Dental Carelessness Can Lead to Diabetes
Surprisingly enough, many diabetes cases are diagnosed from the dentist chair. When dental health standards are lowered, infections develop and the body has trouble producing insulin, making blood sugar more difficult to control. If diabetes is uncontrolled, however, it can be harder to control gum disease. Taking care of your teeth ultimately results in better health throughout your body.
Dental Health and Heart Disease
Those who deal with mouth diseases are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Although the direct cause for this is unknown at this point in time, researches have developed a theory attempting to solve the problem. Their theory assumes that oral bacteria attach to fatty plaques in the arteries, causing plaque build up, clots, and risk for a heart attack.
The Link Between Other General Health Problems and Oral Health
- Osteoporosis is the weakening of bones due to deficiencies in the body. When osteoporosis develops, it also affects the teeth and mouth because teeth are essentially bones. Taking calcium supplements help strengthen bones and tissue – talk to your doctor if you think this would help you.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause periodontal disease, according to a study released in June 2008. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory disease, just as Rheumatoid Arthritis is, as well.
Visit your dentist as often as possible to ensure early treatment of oral health disease that might have a big impact on your health.