The link between oral health and overall health

Although it is natural to think of dental health as something separate from overall health, WiSE Dental believes that the mouth should be considered an important extension of the rest of our body. The state of your oral health is a good indication of other underlying health conditions. Whether it is heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory diseases like pneumonia, each of these conditions have links to poor oral health. In this blog, we discuss just some of the ways in which oral health is linked to overall health.

Contact a dentist Macquarie Park families trust for information on general dentistry, dental implant cost and overall dental health.

Cardiovascular Health

Poor oral health is linked to a number of cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease. Studies also show that individuals with severe periodontal disease are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque inside the crucial blood vessels that supply oxygen to the body. There is also a strong association between periodontal disease and serious strokes related to plaque build-up in blood vessels.

Pregnancy Related Complications

During pregnancy, the body tends to be vulnerable to certain conditions and extra care must be taken to protect overall health. Poor oral health and severe dental conditions during pregnancy can cause problems to occur in other parts of the body and affect foetal development.

Studies show that poor oral health is linked to foetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes and low birth weight. Research indicates that the chances of miscarriage increase and the likelihood of preeclampsia is higher.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that severely compromises the body’s ability to fight infection. The human mouth is an environment where many different kinds of bacteria thrive. Diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight off bacterial infections when bad bacteria begin to thrive, which increases the chances of developing serious gum disease. Research shows that patients with gum disease have a difficult time controlling blood sugar levels, however, effectively treating periodontal care has shown to improve diabetes control.

Pneumonia

Cavities and tooth decay have been linked to greater likelihood of developing pneumonia. Experts believe that bacteria from the mouth can aspirate into the upper respiratory tract and make it into the lungs, causing infection that leads to pneumonia.

Professional Family Dentist Macquarie Park

WiSE Dental has a reputation as a family dentist Macquarie Park residents trust. That’s because we are committed to providing patients with

cutting-edge dental information that allows them to improve their overall health. We provide world-class cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental services and general dentistry services for patients of all ages. If you are an individual living with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, contact a dentist Macquarie Park relies on to find out how your oral health may be contributing to the problem, and what you can do about it.