Smile, Your Health is Showing

You brush, you floss, and you visit your dentist twice a year – seems simple enough. But did you know that your oral health may be linked to the level of your overall health? Recent studies indicate that there are very specific links between dental health, periodontal health, and other systemic health issues. So if you think you spend all that time brushing and flossing just to keep your smile looking bright, white, and attractive, it’s time to look a little bit closer.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is linked to a variety of other health issues, which is why it’s so important to pay close attention to oral care. Regular visits to your dentist are your best preventive measure to ensure that the health of your gums not affect you in other detrimental ways.

Healthy teeth and gums don’t allow bacteria commonly found in your mouth and saliva to enter into your bloodstream. If you are experiencing some gum erosion and/or irritation, this creates areas in which bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. Ongoing research indicates there is evidence pointing to the fact that this bacterial travel can be linked to other health issues.

How does your overall oral health affect your health in general? There are several ways.
• Your oral health may be a pre-indicator for other types of diseases. For example, osteoporosis, or bone loss may be detected first by your dentist during a routine check up, through loss of bone density in the jaw or teeth.

• Certain types of heart disease have been shown to be linked to overall oral health. Studies continue to research the exact cause of the linkage, but practicing good oral hygiene may actually decrease the risk of heart disease, arterial plaque and stroke.

• You’ve read that good oral care is important during pregnancy? Some studies indicate that there is a link between gum disease and premature birth. Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy should definitely include regularly scheduled dental visits.

• The link between oral care and diabetes is twofold. Those who have diabetes are generally at increased risk for contracting gum disease as a result of cavities, dry mouth, and oral infections associated with the disease. Poor oral health and gum disease can also cause blood sugar to rise in diabetic patients.

• Immunocompromised patients, such as those who have HIV/AIDS, often have oral symptoms that lead to increased bacterial infection, which in turn affects overall health.

• Other ongoing research on the connection between periodontal disease and other diseases includes the study of links between gum health and pneumonia as well as pancreatic cancer.

To summarize, the best and most reliable preventive health measures we can recommend are regular visits with your dental care provider for examinations, professional cleanings, X-rays, and oral cancer screenings, along with healthy home care that includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine self examination for any changes in gum health. Not only does your smile depend on it – you may find that your life does too.

Dr. Tanya Brown is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology as well as the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Dr. Brown started her dental practice, The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, in 2002 and practices in Chesapeake, Virginia with Dr. Roxzanne Amos, who joined The Center in 2006. Dr. Tanya Brown can be reached at 757-546-5262 or by email at DrBrown@tccrd.com.

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