Preventive Dental Care and Your Overall Health: What’s the Connection?

Preventative dental care—at home and with your dentist— is the key to achieving and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, oral health also impacts the rest of your body and overall health and well-being. Tooth decay and gum disease can impact other areas of your body, from your heart to your immune system. Here’s a deep dive into the powerful connection between preventative dental care and physical health. 

Oral Health Has a Huge Impact on Your Overall Wellness

Oral health extends far beyond our mouths. Having healthy teeth and gums may benefit from better digestion, protection against infections, and even mental health improvements. Meanwhile, poor oral health and conditions like tooth decay and gum disease are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and complications with pregnancy.

How Bacteria in Your Mouth Can Lead to Other Health Problems

Our mouths serve as the gateway to our bodies. When your mouth is a haven for harmful bacteria, it can easily spread to other body parts. Plaque builds up, eventually leading to gum disease and the inflammation that goes along with that. Also, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums. From there, it travels to your body’s organs, leading to infections such as endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining. 

Regular Dental Checkups: The Benefits

Visiting your dentist every six months is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness. These checkups can catch problems in their early stages and put plans in place for correcting them. Here are some of the benefits of regular dental checkups.

• Early detection of cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
• Professional teeth cleaning.
• Screening for oral cancer.

How Preventative Dental Care Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease

Studies have found a solid link between oral health (particularly gum health) and an increased risk of heart disease. Gum disease causes inflammation that can contribute to the hardening of the arteries. This is a major factor when it comes to heart disease. Bacteria from gum disease can also build up in the arteries, putting you more at risk of stroke and heart disease. 

Diabetes and Dental Care: Understanding the Connection

High blood sugar can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. In turn, gum disease plays a role in managing blood sugar levels. Also, people with diabetes are more susceptible to gum infections. 

Oral Health and Its Role in Reducing Inflammation

Surprisingly, oral health impacts inflammation throughout the body. When you have gum disease or tooth decay, there is a constant low-grade state of inflammation. The body responds by releasing inflammatory markers into your bloodstream. The result can be systemic inflammation, which is linked to a vast array of chronic health conditions like arthritis and heart disease. 

Your Option for Preventive Dental Care in Boca Raton, FL

Dr. David Kagan and the team at Dental Care of Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida, are here to provide excellent preventative dental care while working with you as you learn more about how it impacts your overall health. Call (561) 556-6275 today to set up a consultation.

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