Dentist in Chicago, Chicago Cosmetic Dentist

Perhaps people are confused because we go to dentists for oral care and see other doctors for general checkups, or because there is a specific market for toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and other dental care products. Whatever the reason, many people fail to realize the strong connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your body.

The human mouth is amazingly complex, and is not just for eating and drinking. For example, because the mouth is a gateway into the body, it can often act an “early warning system” of health problems in other parts of the body. The opposite is also true – health problems in the mouth can lead to problems elsewhere.

The truth is, the human mouth is naturally teeming with various kinds of bacteria. Some may help digest food, while others may be harmful strains feeding off the food debris in the mouth. When oral health is maintained, the natural defenses of the mouth – saliva, for example, are very effective at preventing the bacteria from entering your system. If the defenses are breached or become weakened through lack of care, harmful microorganisms can pass into your bloodstream and cause serious problems.

Peridontal and Cardiovascular Disease

Believe it or not, studies have shown an apparent link between gum disease and cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries. Although we do not yet understand the full implications of this correlation, some researchers theorize that the bacteria which cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream through weakened gums and affect your cardiovascular system.

Diabetes

People who suffer from diabetes are often warned to be careful of their oral health, because diabetes has been shown to increase a patient’s risk of gum disease, tooth loss, dry mouth, and many other oral disorders. The reverse also holds true – infections in the mouth hurt the body’s ability to control blood sugar, forcing the patient to use even more insulin to maintain healthy sugar levels.

Osteoporosis

In many cases, the first warning signs of osteoporosis appear in the mouth. Because dentists regularly take x-rays of your mouth, they are in a particularly good position to identify and monitor bone loss.

The above are not the only examples of ways in which your oral and dental health can influence the well-being of your entire body. The moral of the story, however, is clear – good dental health habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, are not only important for strong teeth and gums, but also for keeping the rest of your body healthy as well.