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Periodontal Disease Could Affect Overall Health

Periodontal Disease Could Affect Overall Health

Periodontal Disease Could Affect Overall Health

BridgeMill Dentistry explains that your oral health plays a huge roll in your overall health. In fact, recent studies indicate a link between teeth and gums and disease.

Good oral hygiene has the potential to reduce systemic diseases including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.

Periodontal Disease and Overall Health

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While inflammation does help your body heal itself, it can also lead to serious issues. On the one hand, swelling is nature’s way of responding to harmful bacteria. On the other hand, if it gets out of control it will cause serious health issues.

Characterized by swelling, redness, and pain, inflammation helps your immunity responding to disease or damage in your tissues. However, if the inflammation becomes chronic it can have the opposite effect.

Periodontal Disease and Inflammatory Response

RH, CVD, diabetes, and periodontal disease all associate themselves with the same type of response. Researchers discovered that moderate to severe periodontal disease increases inflammation in the body.

These triggers could be waiting for the right environment to cause a serious disease. In fact, some mouth bacterial strains have been discovered in the walls of the heart in people suffering from congestive heart failure.

So What is the Connection?

While no one knows what the real connection is, some scientists believe that oral bacteria get to your bloodstream through pockets between your teeth and gums. The oral bacteria are just like plaque, thick and clumpy. Your body reacts to the inflammation by swelling tissues and cells. This narrows your blood vessels and arteries increasing blood clot risk.

Oral bacteria in the bloodstream may also trigger CRP production. Known as CRP’s in your liver, the proteins may cause blood vessel inflammation promoting clot formation. This leads to stroke, heart disease, and clogged arteries. CRP levels are just as strong, if not a stronger predictor when it comes to heart attacks than cholesterol levels are.

Controlling Periodontal Disease and Inflammation

While the jury is still out when it comes to a connection between oral and overall health, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits for prevention. The team from BridgeMill Dentistry recommends that you brush twice and floss once each day. Use a good anti-bacterial mouthwash and eat a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamins and minerals. Don’t forget to include lots of healthy veggies and dairy products in your diet as well.

One of the best ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay for overall health is to schedule regular dental appointments with your dentist in Canton. Regular checkups prevent periodontal disease and cavities. Regular comprehensive dental checkups can also detect diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Comprehensive Dental Checkups in Canton Georgia

BridgeMill Dentistry recommends twice-yearly dental checkups with a comprehensive dental exam every 12 months, even more so if you are prone to disease. Dental examinations help prevent serious disease while keeping you free from tooth decay and gum disease.

If you haven’t seen your dentist in Canton in some time, call and schedule a dental checkup for you and your entire family for overall health. Call for dental checkups with BridgeMill Dentistry today.