Ways Your Dental Health Affects You

Poor oral health can negatively impact your overall health. It doesn’t just lead to bleeding gums and a toothless smile. Here are four ways your oral health can impact your overall health. This guide will have you calling your Northbrook dentist.

Cardiovascular Health

Inflamed gums can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because gum disease distributes the inflammation throughout your body, which can lead to  cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that inflammatory disease is often linked with heart disease. The Canadian Academy of Periodontology found that patients with periodontal disease are more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease and experience a fatal heart attack.

Gum disease that stems from bacterial exposure can cause cardiovascular disease and increase inflammation within the body. Inflammation is one of the signs of heart disease. Speak to your dentist in Northbrook IL, Dr. Steven N. Kacel, D.D.S., M.A.G.D., F.A.D.I. about your family’s history with heart disease. You should also see a cardiologist in regards to your heart and oral health.

Diabetes

Diabetes is linked to gum disease. Studies have found that gum disease can lead to diabetes since it affects blood glucose levels. The bacteria that’s built up in the gums can affect the carbohydrate metabolism in each of the cells. This buildup of bacteria can also increase blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. This is a serious problem if you don’t take good care of your teeth, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women with gum disease may deliver pre-term, develop gestational diabetes, or have a low-birth-weight baby. That’s why regular visits with your dentist Northbrook are important when you’re pregnant. There have been studies that shown pregnant women are at greater risk of delivering early or low-birth-weight babies than pregnant who have good oral health. Pre-term or low-birth-weight babies are more likely to have health problems such as asthma, birth abnormalities.

Behavioral problems, developmental problems, and ear infections. They may also have a higher risk of infant death.

Smoking and Cancer

It can be harder for smokers to quit. But your inability to quit can increase your chances of a life-threatening illness. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of emphysema, heart disease, lung cancer, oral cancer, and lesions inside the mouth. If you need another reason to quit, smoking is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Daily oral habits can help reduce some or all of these health problems. Don’t forget to brush and floss twice a day, every day. In addition, book regular appointments with your Northbrook dentist.