Dental care can be just as important to your body and overall health as blood tests and visits with your family physician.
Often dental care is seen as not as vital or something that can be put off. Whether it’s a stigma or childhood fear or lack of dental insurance, patients often find a way to justify not scheduling a visit with their local dentist.
Making your regular visits to your dentist can prevent many other health issues. Often, illnesses can be caused due to a dental issue. Some of these illnesses include.
- Cardiovascular Disease – some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to inflammation or infections caused by oral bacteria.
- Diabetes – Periodontitis or Gum disease can increase blood sugar levels, increasing a patient’s risk at developing Diabetes
- Premature Birth or Pregnancy Complications – Periodontitis (gum disease) has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Endocarditis – Oral bacteria can spread through your bloodstream and attach to the inner lining of the chambers of your heart.
- Respiratory Infections – Bacteria in the mouth from infected teeth or swollen gums can be inhaled into the lungs or travel through the bloodstream, leading to respiratory infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and possibly COPD.
And the list continues. Research is continuously finding links between dental heath and other medical conditions.
