The importance of dental and oral health cannot be
overemphasized. Not only does the mouth act as the gateway
for food and drink to enter the body, but it may also
provide an entrance for harmful microorganisms and
infections if not properly cared for. In fact, studies have
shown that proper oral hygiene is instrumental in promoting
good overall health. On the other hand, it has also been
demonstrated that many health issues can have negative
effects on dental and oral health.
Because dental health is associated by many people with
trips to the dentist's office, special toothpastes,
mouthwash, and other products, it is all too easy to see
oral health as something separate and removed from the
well-being of the rest of the body. Nothing could be
further from the truth. There is a very strong link between
the condition of mouth and the rest of the body, so much so
that the mouth can often act as an early warning system for
problems elsewhere in the body.
Cardiovascular Disease
Gum disease vs. cardiovascular disease - which one sounds
more serious? Although many people would say the latter
without hesitation, studies show that having gum disease
can actually increase the risk of developing cardiovascular
problems. This connection, while not completely understood
even by scientists, may be attributed to the fact that
damaged gums allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream,
where they can cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
Osteoporosis
A common ailment for older women, osteoporosis refers to a
weakening of the skeletal system, resulting in fragile,
easily broken or damaged bones. If osteoporosis can be
detected early, treatment of the condition can also begin
earlier. Fortunately, dentists are in a particularly good
position to catch osteoporosis. This is because the
symptoms and warning signs of osteoporosis frequently occur
in the mouth. Dental x-rays can reveal patterns of bone
loss indicative of osteoporosis very early on.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a very fast-growing health issue; more and more
people are diagnosed with it every year. Although people
think only of blood sugar when the word diabetes is
mentioned, it is also worth noting that diabetes is a known
risk factor for gum disease, tooth loss, and dry mouth. The
relationship goes both ways - poor oral health has been
shown to complicate or hinder the control of a patient's
blood sugar and force the patient to use more insulin just
to keep their blood sugar at a safe level.
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Joe Devine
For more information visit http://www.drbagai.com .
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