If you are doing your best to take care of your teeth but still manage to get cavities, then you have to up your game. Good oral health isn’t just about a healthy smile. Although it is nice to have a good smile, it is not as important as your overall health. Oral health and your overall health are tightly entwined even though many don’t realize it.
Poor oral health can lead to infections and inflammation in the body. Taking care of your mouth goes far beyond just keeping your teeth clean. You’ll need to ensure you take good care of your teeth and visit your dentist, like this emergency dentist Chandler AZ, regularly. In this article, we will go over some things that can happen to your body when you don’t care for your teeth.
Gum disease and heart disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral health condition affecting the gums and bones supporting the teeth. When you start getting cavities, it can lead to periodontal disease, and then the problems get magnified, and you aren’t just looking at needing a filling.
Research has shown a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. When an infection gets into the gums, the bacteria can easily get into the bloodstream. Once this happens, it can lead to inflammation in the heart and even damage the blood vessels. This damage then leads to the narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of stroke.
Even if the risk of stroke is not present, you are likely to face high blood pressure from the bacteria entering your bloodstream. Studies have also shown that treating gum disease can help improve cardiovascular health.
Diabetes and gum disease
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. This may not seem related to your oral health, but there is a link. This is because people with diabetes are at higher risk of having gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. Over time, this can cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away from the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Studies have shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. This is because the inflammation caused by gum disease can make it harder for the body to use insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Diet impacts oral health
The things you do in your daily life can impact your oral health and contribute to other health problems, as we have outlined. For starters, what you eat is likely to have a serious impact. Foods high in sugar and carbohydrates can contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. On the other hand, foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as leafy greens, dairy products, and lean proteins, can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
