Today, we're going to address a serious topic that not many people consider. Did you know that your tooth and, particularly, your gum health impacts the health of your entire body? Did you know that if you suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, you're more likely to develop non-dental health concerns like heart disease or diabetes?
The truth is that your oral systemic health significantly impacts your overall well-being. Here's what you need to know.
The Biological Bridge: How Oral Bacteria Travel
Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues (gums) and bone that support your teeth. When bacteria from this infection enter the bloodstream, it triggers the inflammation, causing problems like heart disease, and vice versa. Some of the systemic health concerns that gum disease can impact are:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dementia
- Respiratory concerns
In turn, bacteria from these systemic concerns can also contribute to the inflammation that causes your gum disease.
Signs Your Mouth Might Be Impacting Your Health
Gum disease can be tricky to diagnose on your own because it progresses slowly at first and doesn't cause much pain in the beginning. That's why bi-annual visits to your holistic dentist in Prahran are so important because they can identify potential problems before they become more significant concerns that impact your overall health.
Here are some of the early telltale signs of gum disease to be aware of:
- Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing
- Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing, flossing, or mouth rinse
- Swollen, red or irritated gums
Protecting Your Total Health at Lifetime Dental Prahran
At Lifetime Dental, we take a holistic, whole-body approach to dental care, educating patients about their oral health and how it impacts their overall well-being. With consistent preventive cleans and exams, we can help you stop problems like gum disease in its tracks, protecting your general health.
You can reach our team on (03) 9510 1644 for more information or to arrange an appointment.
