If you have health goals, our team at McKinley Crossing Dental recommend oral hygiene be at the top of your list! It’s not just cavities that should worry you when it comes to poor dental health. Truth is, if you’re lagging behind on proper care for your mouth, teeth, and gums, there could be far more dire consequences coming. Here are some major areas of concern connected to the quality of your oral care.
Cardiovascular Disease
When you forget to floss or simply don’t brush diligently, you are at risk of inflamed gums or gingivitis. Periodontal disease can be hard to detect. If left untreated, the bacteria in the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body like the heart. If this occurs, it can cause atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. This could lead to a stroke or other life-threatening situations.
Dementia
Not only can the bacteria from inflamed gums lead to heart disease, but it can also affect our other important organ: the brain! When the bacteria enter the bloodstream or nerve channels in the brain, there is increased risk of the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Protect your cognitive function by going in for regular cleanings.
Diabetes
If you are living with diabetes, you are unfortunately susceptible to gum disease, making oral hygiene even more important. But dealing with periodontal disease can, in fact, exacerbate your diabetes symptoms. The bacterial infections can cause insulin resistance, which makes it harder for you to control your blood sugar.
Oral Symptoms Can Reveal So Much More
When you go in for an annual physical, ever wonder why you are frequently asked to open up and say “ahhhh”? Your mouth is a sort of blueprint of what’s going on inside your body. Physical oral anomalies can be early signs of diseases like diabetes. In fact, over 90 percent of all systemic diseases show oral symptoms, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. A simple swab of saliva can also reveal a host of information about your condition for those symptoms that are less tangible.
We hope that our efforts into keeping up exceptional oral hygiene can only mean positive news. It’s still vital to go in for regular check-ups to cover your bases. Don’t forget to visit your dentist right away for any emergencies, too. Contact us today, and our friendly staff will schedule an appointment at your best time.