Oral Hygiene and Other Health Concerns
Links between poor dental health and certain infirmities prove that keeping your mouth clean is about more than a pretty smile
Considering recent health concerns facing the world, dental hygiene has been bumped down on many Floridians’ list of concerns.
Fear surrounding COVID-19 closed the doors to several business and medical practices in an effort to curb infection in the community – including Lastra & Raffel Family Dentistry – but that doesn’t mean dental infections no longer exist. Nor the connection between serious concerns and poor dental health.
Let’s explore some dental conditions that are common in ailing mouths and see how visits to a family dentist in Miami can help keep more than your teeth healthy.
Diabetes
Scientists have discovered that individuals with severe periodontal disease (gum disease) have a greater possibility of developing Type 2 Diabetes because periodontal disease can contribute to increased periods of time when the body functions with high blood sugar. This can increase the risk of diabetic complications in people with diabetes. Diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis which can cause the destruction of the supporting structures of teeth (bone and ligaments).
Heart Disease
People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular events. Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association. One theory why this occurs proposes that small amounts of bacteria enter the bloodstream while chewing, creating a connection for bad bacteria to directly infect the heart.
Patients at risk for infective endocarditis (an infection in the heart valves) may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures.
Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
Our mouths and lungs are part of the respiratory system, so bacteria in the mouth or gums can be breathed into the lungs and enter the bloodstream this way as well. From there, the bacteria can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, COPD, and other respiratory infections. Even in a healthy mouth, there are lots of bacteria, but bacteria in a not-healthy mouth can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Why risk it – come get your teeth cleaned
Lastra & Raffel Family Dentistry stresses the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. Maintaining healthy gums may lead to a healthy body too.
It’s best to avoid the risks with consistent dental care in Miami by getting a dental check-up regularly, once every 6 months. If cavities are present, we can treat them before they do any serious long-lasting harm.
Remember to schedule your Miami dental check-up and you can request an appointment online with Lastra & Raffel Family Dentistry today.