Sometimes, your mouth can seem like a completely separate entity from the rest of your body. Recent research has established links between gum disease and various illnesses and health conditions associated with your overall wellbeing. Being a healthy person means more than just eating right and exercising, it also means protecting yourself from gum disease in Greenwood. Read on to learn how you can protect your body by taking care of your mouth.
What Does the Research Say?
Your body is home to a diverse microbiome that contains good and bad bacteria. Your body’s natural defense system paired with good oral hygiene helps control the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Because these bacteria feed on plaque, when you don’t brush and floss regularly, they can infest your mouth and cause a variety of oral health problems such as dental decay, infections, bad breath, and gum disease.
Gum disease isn’t only caused by poor oral hygiene though, it can also be a result of taking certain medications that cause dry mouth, or genetics. Prescriptions like antihistamines, painkillers, and antidepressants may reduce your saliva flow and allow harmful bacteria and food particles to collect in your mouth.
Recent studies have shown that the same inflammation-causing oral bacteria that causes gum disease can impact other parts of your body. When they’re not regularly removed from your mouth, they can release toxins that get into your bloodstream and travel to areas like your respiratory system and heart.
What Illnesses and Diseases are Linked to Gum Disease?
Once inflammation-causing toxins get into your blood, they can travel throughout your body and cause a whole host of conditions and illnesses. Some of these diseases and health concerns include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Respiratory infections such as pneumonia
- Birth complications
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s disease
These are only some of the conditions that gum disease can put you at a higher risk of developing. When you protect your mouth by removing harmful oral bacteria, you’re taking care of your entire body.
How Can You Protect Your Body?
It’s easier to protect your oral and overall wellbeing than you may think. By brushing twice each day and flossing, you can maintain healthy teeth and gums and control the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. One of the best ways to fight off symptoms of gum disease is to attend your routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Greenwood. They use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places you can’t get with a regular toothbrush. Lastly, try to avoid bad oral habits such as tobacco use and let your dentist know if you’re taking any medications that could cause dry mouth.
Warding off oral health problems such as gum disease can help you feel confident about your overall wellbeing. You won’t regret visiting your dentist when you can enjoy a worry-free summer after you get a clean bill of health!
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, we offer the services 6 dentists with collective decades of knowledge and experience. You can fortify your overall health by visiting our professionals for a cleaning and checkup. Whether you need cosmetic services, or gum disease therapy, our dentists offer a wide array of skills so you can get everything done under one roof. For questions or to schedule a routine visit, visit our website or contact 864-407-4455.