I read this article a while
ago by the Mayo Clinic staff, but it appears very much worth
republishing. Please read this and adjust your life accordingly. It’s
really not that difficult to lead a healthy life style and live longer lives
for you and your family.
Oral health: A window to your overall health
Your oral health is more important than you may realize. Get the facts
about how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums may affect your general
health.
By Mayo
Clinic staff
Did
you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health? Or
that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Understand the
intimate connection between oral health and overall health and what you can do
to protect yourself.
What's the
connection between oral health and overall health?
Your
mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body's
natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and
flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can
sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay
and gum disease. In addition, dental procedures, medications, or treatments
that reduce saliva flow, disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth
or breach the mouth's normal protective barriers may make it easier for
bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
What conditions may be linked to oral health?
Your oral health may
affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions,
including:
·
Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow
bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a
damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such
as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
·
Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and
stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation
from periodontitis — a severe form of gum disease.
·
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth
weight.
·
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting
the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control
may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that
holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good
blood sugar control.
·
HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in
people who have HIV/AIDS.
·
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle —
may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
·
Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease.
·
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include
Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.
Be
sure to tell your dentist if
you're taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health —
especially if you've had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition.
How can I
protect my oral health?
To
protect your oral health, resolve to practice good oral hygiene
every day. For example:
·
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
·
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
·
Floss daily.
·
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
·
Schedule regular dental checkups.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com
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