The smile is the gateway to the rest of the body, and it is important to care for your overall wellness versus one individual part of your health. Taking care of the smile involves more than just brushing and flossing daily and occasional visits to the dentist. It’s about knowing the connections between the body and the smile, and how one affects the other.
Known as the oral systemic connection, dental infections and trauma can have a great impact on patients with existing health issues. Gum disease and its effect on patients with diabetes and heart disease has been greatly researched. Understanding this connection can assist you in taking the steps to improve your oral health as well as your overall health.
Gum Disease 101
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the inflammation of gum tissue due to a build-up of tartar and bacteria. Some main symptoms of gum disease include red or swollen gums, bleeding during flossing or brushing teeth, and at it’s most severe, receding gum lines and lost teeth. Preventing gum disease requires diligent oral care practices and frequent flossing. Treatment, if caught early, can remove traces of the bacteria and prevent further infection to the rest of the smile.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
Patients with diabetes are required to maintain a strict diet to remain healthy. Gum disease and diabetes have two distinct connections. Patients with diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease due to their need to maintain blood sugar levels. Inflammation, whether caused by gum disease or not, can impact the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. This high blood sugar level can be the perfect catalyst for gum disease to develop. Patients with diabetes may also find it harder to respond to gum disease treatment and to heal from infection in a timely manner. Managing your diabetes, while being mindful of the dangers of gum disease, can assist in maintaining overall health and wellness.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
There is a strong connection between heart disease and gum disease. They share many of the same risk factors that allow health issues to develop. Patients who smoke, have an unhealthy diet, or carry excess weight all many be susceptible to gum disease and heart disease. Many patients (about 90%) who have heart disease also have gum disease. One of the main causes of both of these diseases is the build up of inflammation in the body. Gum disease infection and inflammation can spread to the blood vessels, impacting the supply of blood to the heart and resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
Caring for your gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. For more information on preventive measures against gum disease, or if you would like gum disease treatment, contact our office today.