It’s often the case that people believe the mouth is separate from the rest of the body. After all, you see a completely different doctor to care for your teeth than you do everywhere else. Your mouth may seem like it’s own separate entity, but that’s simply not the case. The mouth is connected to your body in more ways than you can imagine.
It’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums. Without good oral health, the rest of your wellbeing could suffer. Organs like your heart and brain especially can be affected by gum disease and impact the longevity of your life.
How Gum Disease Affects the Heart
Your heart pumps blood throughout your body, and likewise, your body brings blood back to your heart. In order for your heart to work efficiently, blood must be able to move freely through vessels, arteries, and veins.
If ever those systems become inflamed, it can impair or prevent blood from reaching the heart, causing complications. Blood vessels can quickly become inflamed during the onset of gum disease. Once bacteria travels past the gum line, it enters the bloodstream, which over time can impact the health of your heart.
How Gum Disease Affects the Brain
Some studies have shown a link between gum disease and Alzheimer's as well as overall brain health. The theory is that once bacteria enter the bloodstream, it eventually reaches the brain, which causes an immune response that slowly begins to destroy brain tissue.
Although studies are still being done to prove an exact correlation between brain health and gum disease, it still is possible for the built-up bacteria to travel and cause complications in the brain.
How Gum Disease Affects Insulin Levels
Periodontal disease is known to be a symptom of diabetes, mostly because those with diabetes are more prone to infections. Having both diabetes and gum disease can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Oftentimes, periodontal disease can lead to a spiked blood sugar level, which can cause complications if left untreated.
Preventing Gum Disease and Improving Your Health
Because your gums play such an integral role in the health of your body, it’s crucial to know how to care for them. Brushing and flossing daily is a great way to prevent the onset of gum disease. Using an oral rinse is also known to reduce additional bacteria in the mouth.
Visiting your dentist twice a year will ensure that no infections go undetected and that any oral health concerns will be treated before they worsen. If you show signs of gum disease, your dentist can help determine the proper method of treatment. A deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, is often the most effective procedure.
Call Today to Learn More!
If you would like more information about gum disease, or to schedule your appointment, contact Dr. Michael Kowalik today!