What You Need to about how Gum Disease and Systemic Illness
Most of the population understands that that taking care of our teeth and gums is the best way to keep smiles healthy and beautiful. However, many are unaware of the additional benefits ideal oral health contributes to our overall health.
By seeing your dentist regularly, they can detect certain signs that signal underlying illness. Also, when you care for your teeth and gums, you are ridding your mouth of a potent bacteria that, in the presence of gum disease, can travel to other areas of your body and cause systemic disease.
Dental Care and Screening for Illness
When performing an oral exam, dentists also take note of any possible signs of systemic disease that can appear in the mouth. Your dentist will discuss any findings, such as suspicious sores, spots in soft tissue, and discoloration of the tongue that may need attention and make a recommendation for you to see your primary care physician or a specialist.
Some conditions that your dentist may be able to spot include:
- Stress/TMJ – Worn down teeth are a sign that teeth grinding is occurring, which is often a symptom of stress.
- Diabetes – Gum disease that is resistant to treatment or progresses rapidly is sometimes related to diabetes. Ongoing studies show a relationship between these two concerns, as diabetics are prone to developing periodontal issues and gum disease can affect diabetes.
- Oral Cancer – Dentists are trained to spot suspicious lesions, particularly those that may indicate oral cancer.
- Autoimmune Disorders – Some of these conditions can cause ulcers in the mouth.
The dentist will discuss these findings and recommend that you be seen by your primary care physician. In some cases as in TMJ or stress-related issues, the dentist can craft a special mouth guard to alleviate pain and further damage to teeth.
A Look at Decay and the Bacteria that Cause It
Dental conditions can also affect other parts of the body. Bacteria originating in the human mouth can be especially potent and feed off the carbohydrates and sugars that are left behind after eating and drinking.
When these bacteria are abundant, they can be inhaled, or absorbed into the body through small breaks in your gums or other oral soft tissue. These are generally a direct result of inadequate brushing and flossing and can be exacerbated by systemic illness.
The following conditions have been linked to gum disease
- Heart and Lung Disease - In the case of severe gum disease, your heart and lungs should be examined as there is a correlation between the bacteria that cause decay and gum disease and the risk of cardiac and respiratory infection.
- Premature Labor - Enzymes produced by gum disease are similar to those released during labor and can trigger early delivery.
- Dementia – preliminary studies are finding a strong correlation between Alzheimer’s and poor oral health.
Learn More about the Importance of Your Oral Health by Calling our Reno Dental Office
Understanding the relationship between oral and overall health makes going to the dentist even more of a priority. Proper dental care should be regarded as a vital step in ensuring the preservation of your total well-being.
If you are in need of a dentist in Reno who takes a comprehensive approach to treatment, call Dr. Michael S Gilman today.